li^ 


MMiiiaiikiyj 


Diseases  of  the  Horse, 


HOW  TO  TREAT  THEM 


A  CONCISE  MANUAL 


SPECIAL   PATHOLOGY, 


FOR  THE  USE  OF 


Horsemen,  Farmers,  Stock-Raisers,  and  Students  in  Agri- 
cultural Colleges  in  the  United  States. 


By  EGBERT  CHAWNEE, 

VETERINARY   SURGEON. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PORTER     &    COATES, 

822  Chestnut  Street. 


^51 

CMS 

■o7H 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1874, 

By  ROBERT  CHAWNER, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


PREFACE. 


This  unpretending  little  treatise  is  an  attempt  to  supply  an 
oft-expressed  want — namely,  a  brief,  popular,  and  reliable 
handbook  on  that  department  of  veterinary  science  which 
treats  of  the  horse  and  his  diseases.  Although  "  of  making 
many  books  there  is  no  end,"  yet,  strange  to  say,  no  work 
on  this  subject  has  appeared  within  twelve  or  fifteen  years. 
The  books  now  offered  for  sale  in  the  book  stores  are  simply 
republications  of  foreign  books  that  were  written  for  the 
past  generation;  they  comprise  Youat's,  Mayhew's,  and 
Percival's  works.  It  need  hardly  be  proved  by  any  argu- 
ment of  mine  that,  in  accordance  with  the  advancement  of 
medical  science  in  our  day  a  new  work  (written  up  to  the 
present  time)  is  absolutely  required  to  instruct  the  owners 
of  horses  in  the  latest  and  most  approved  modes  of  treat- 
ment in  all  diseases  of  the  horse.  Within  the  past  twenty 
years  new  diseases,  or  rather  new  forms  of  old  diseases, 
(including  the  late  Epizootic  and  Spinal  Meningitis)  have 
afflicted  the  equine  race  in  our  own  country  and  elsewhere. 
These  diseases  were  considerably  altered  in  character  from 
the  type  with  which  our  grandfathers  were  acquainted.  For 
these  reasons  it  would  be  exceedingly  injudicious  to  pursue 
exactly  the  same  treatment  recommended  in  books  written 
for  those  times.  In  former  days  bleeding,  blistering,  firing> 
and  physicing  were  indiscriminately  pursued  without  know- 
ing the  "  why  and  the  wherefore  "  for  so  doing. 


iv  PREFACE. 

The  diseases  of  horses  is  my  subject,  therefore  the  reader 
need  not  expect  (as  in  some  books)  a  mass  of  irrelevant 
matter  on  the  breeding,  management,  training,  or  anatomy 
of  the  horse. 

By  far  the  greater  number  of  the  men  that  own  horses  either 
cannot  or  will  not  employ  a  veterinary  surgeon,  and  even  in 
many  cases  they  are  too  far  removed  from  a  qualified  prac- 
titioner in  a  country  so  new  and  extensive  as  our  own.  In 
the  majority  of  cases,  when  any  emergency  arises,  either  of 
sickness  or  lameness  of  the  horse,  they  run  for  the  nearest 
horse-shoer  or  horseman  in  their  neighborhood.  In  all 
such  instances  sufticient  knowledge,  "  if  not  to  heal,  at  least 
not  to  harm,"  is  of  the  highest  importance. 

The  object  of  the  author  has  been  to  supply  to  such  per- 
sons a  brief,  popular  and,  if  possible,  reliable  work  for  all^ 
such  emergencies.  How  far  he  has  succeeded  in  accom- 
plishing that  object  he  leaves  to  the  judgment  of  others. 

The  Author  expresses  his  indebtedness  for  the  plan  of 
his  work  to  Dr.  Henry  Hartshorne,  of  Philadelphia;  Pro- 
fessor Cressy,  of  Amherst ;   Finlay  Dunn,  and  others. 

New  York,  Christmas,  1874. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

The  Causation  of  Disease  (Etiology)           .              .  •              -1-3 

The  Signs  and  Symptoms  of  Disease  (Semeiology)  .             .              3-12 

The  Seat  and  Nature  of  Disease  (Pathology)          .  .             .12-21 

The  Uses  and  Effects  of  Medicines  (Therapeutics)  .            21-28 

Y.^iexn2i\^(tmed\Q%  chiefly  tised  hi  horse  practice    .  .              '     28-30 

Liniments  and  Ointments  in  general  use          .  .              .             30-35 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS. 

Inflammation  of  the  Tongue  and  Mouth        .  .  .  -37 

Ulcerated  and  Irregular  Teeth     .....  38 

Lampas  ......•'  39 

Stomach  Staggers,  or  Acute  Indigestion  ...  39 

Crib-biting        ..•.••••  4i 

Spasmodic  Colic,  Belly-ache,  &c.  ....  41 

Flatulent  Colic,  Windy  Colic,  &c.       .  .  .  .  •  44 

Diarrhoea  ......••  4^ 

Dysentery  (Colitis)      .  .  .  •  •  ...  47 

Inflammation  of  the  Bowels  (Enteritis)    ....  48 

Bots,  Worms,  &c.         .  .  .  .  .  •  -49 

Inflammation  of  the  Liver  (Hepatitis)     ....  5° 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS. 

Catarrh,  or  Cold  in  the  Head  .  .  .  •  -54 

Laryngitis,  or  Sox-e  Throat  .....  5° 

Pharyngitis       ......,•       5° 

Bronchitis  .......  59 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs     .  .  .  .  •  .62 

Plurisy,  or  Pleuritis  ......  d° 

Chronic  Cough  .  ....••       09 

Roaring  and  Thick  Wind  .....  70 

Broken  Wind  .....•••       71 

Congestion  of  the  Lungs  ......  72 


DISEASES   OF  THE    BLOOD  AND    SYSTEM    IN    GENERAL. 

Page 
Strangles  ........       73 

The  late  Epizootic  (Pink  Eye,  &c,)  ....  75 

Spinal  and  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis  .  .  .  .80 

Purpura     ........  88 

Glanders  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  -92 

Farcy  ........  96 

Rheumatism     ........       98 

Weed,  or  Cellulitis  ......  100 

Profuse  vStaleing  .......     102 

Scarlatina  ........  103 


DISEASES    OF    THE    BRAIN    AND    NERVOUS    SYSTEM. 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain       ......  105 

Epilepsey,  Fits,  &c.  ......  106 

Meagrims,  or  Vertigo  .......  106 

Hydrophobia  .......  107 

Lockjaw,  or  Tetanus   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  108 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LOCOMOTIVE  ORGANS  (LAMENESSES). 


Lameness  in  general  . 

III 

Structure  of  the  Horse's  Foot 

115 

Founder,  or  Acute  Laminitis  . 

.     122 

Sub-acute  Laminitis 

130 

Pumice  Foot    .... 

.     130 

Seedy  Toe              .... 

131 

Pricked  Foot  .... 

.     131 

Quittor,  or  Fibro-Chondritis 

134 

Sand-crack        .... 

.     136 

Interference  and  Overreach 

138 

Tread  and  Calking 

.     139 

Scratches,  Cracked  Heels,  &c. 

140 

Grease               ,             .             .             . 

.     14T 

Corns          ..... 

143 

Thrush,  or  Frush 

.     144 

Canker 

145 

Contraction  of  the  Foot 

•     145 

Spavins,  Splints,  and  Ringbones  . 

146 

Injuries  and  Wounds  in  general 

.     147 

Strains  or  Sprains  in  general 

149 

Page 

Sprain  of  the  Flexor    .             .              .              .              . 

.     151 

Shoulder  Slip 

151 

Shoulder-joint  Lameness 

.     151 

Strain  of  the  Back  Tendons 

152 

Strain  of  the  Suspensoiy  Ligaments  . 

.     152 

Broken  Knees        ..... 

154 

Bone  Spavin    ..... 

.     156 

Splint         ...... 

157 

Ringbones        ..... 

.     158 

Thoroughpin  of  the  Knee 

158 

Side  Bones,      ..... 

•     159 

Windgalls,             ..... 

159 

Thoroughpin    ..... 

•     159 

Curb 

160 

Capped  Hocks              .... 

.     160 

Bog  Spavin            ..... 

160 

GLOSSARY                .... 

.     163 

GENERAL   CAUSATION 


DISEASE  IN  THE  HORSE 


Disease  may  be  defined  as  a  perversion  either  of  the 
functions  or  of  the  structures  of  the  body  or  of  any  of  its 
parts ;  for  example,  the  functions  of  such  parts  as  are  lined 
by  mucous  membrane,  or  of  special  organs,  such  as  the  lungs, 
are  perverted  by  the  action  and  effects  of  inflammation,  so 
that  these  tissues  become  perverted  and  diseased.  As  an 
instance  of  structural  disease,  Heaves  (pulmonary  Emphy- 
sema) may  be  considered.  In  this  condition  the  cell  walls 
or  lobes  of  the  lungs  are  broken  down,  and  the  anatomy  of 
the  organ  altogether  changed,  which  disease  is  commonly 
called  Broken  Wind.  The  former  are  functional,  the  latter 
structural  diseases;  the  one  yields  to  treatment,  the  other  is 
incurable.  Disease,  in  other  words,  is  a  deviation  from  the 
normal  physiological  state  or  action  of  the  organism  under 
the  disturbing  influence  of  morbid  causes. 

GENERAL    CAUSES. 

Hereditary  :  e.g.,  rheumatism,  opthalmia,  tuberculosis, 
glanders,  spavin,  and  melanosis. 

Degenerating:  from  influences  affecting  the  improper 
crossing  and  breeding  of  animals. 

Structural :  spavins,  splints,  ringbones,  ossified  carti- 
lages, quarter  cracks,  pumiced  feet,  &c. 

Malformations  :  parrot  mouths,  cow  hocks,  ewe  necks, 
&c. 

Functional :  over-exertion,  over-excitement,  emotion, 
fright,  loss  of  rest,  severe  work  and  no  work  at  all,  derange- 
ment of  the  nervous  system  from  long  journeys  by  sea  or 
land. 


Mechanical  :  wounds  and  injuries  from  falls,  blows, 
kicks,  uneven  ground,  and  other  accidents,  besides  surgical 
injuries,  &:c. 

Obstructive  :  from  hot,  badly  ventilated  stables  ;  want 
of  cleanliness  ;  dirty,  bad  food  or  drink ;  neglect  of  the 
bowels,  &c.     A  host  of  diseases  arise  from  this  cause. 

Conditional :  excess  of  heat  predisposes  to  diseases  of 
the  liver,  stomach  and  bowels,  besides  exhaustion  and 
injuries  of  the  brain.  Excess  of  cold,  with  dampness, 
induces  inflammation  of  the  lungs  and  air  passages. 

Ingestive  causes  :  poisoning  by  accident  or  otherwise. 
Medicines  in  immoderate  quantities  or  at  improper  times, 
or  remedies  of  a  powerful  sort  given  in  their  pure  form  ;  any 
and  all  of  these  abuses  of  medicine  have  done  and  are  doing 
immense  mischief. 

Improper  food  causes  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  colic,  &c. 
Deficiency  of  food,  with  cold,  leads  to  rheumatism. 
Excess  of  food :  plethora,   bleeding  from   the  nose,  and, 
lastly,  to  laminitis  (founder). 

Gontactive  :  mange  (itch),  ringworm,  hydrophobia, 
glanders. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  very  often  more  than  one 
cause  is  in  operation  to  produce  disease. 
Influence  of  age  on  disease : 

During    colthood    the    functions    connected    with    the 

nutrition  of  the  animal  are  most  active. 
The  capillary  portion  of  the  vascular  system  is  most 

mature. 
The  skin  surfaces  are  delicate  and  impressible. 
The    heat-making    process  is  less  potent  than    in    the 

mature  animal. 
The  period  of  teething  is  marked  by  reflex  excitability. 
Fibrin  abounds  in  the  exudation  resulting  from  injuries 

or  inflammation  in  colthood. 
The  glandular  apparatus  are  especially  active. 
The  diseases  most  frequent  in  young  animals  are  : 
Eruptive  fevers. 
Strangles,  skin  diseases,  &c. 

Peritonites,  resulting  from  the  effects  of  castration. 
Diseases  of  the  air  passages,  caused  by  removal  from 

the  open  country  to  close  city  stables. 
Bleeding  from  the  nose,  called  "epistaxis;"  and  lastly, 
Swelling  of   the  plates  of  the  mouth,  vulgarly  called 
"  lampas." 


As  old  age  approaches  the  venous  circulation  becomes 
more  sluggish. 

The  vital  energy  of  the  system  is  diminished. 
Atrophy  and  degeneration  advance. 

Wounds  and  injuries  are  hard  to  repair,  and  heal  very 
slowly. 

Aged  horses  are  especially  subject  to  : 

Passive  congestions. 

Dropsies,  in  various  parts  of  the  body  and  legs. 

Catarrhal  affections. 

Diseases  of  the  urinary  organs. 

Farcy  and  glanders. 

Acute  indigestion,  stomach  staggers. 

Purpura,  &c. 


GENERAL   SYMPTOMS   OF   DISEASE 

Are  chiefly  indicated  by  the  pulse,  temperature  and  respira- 
tion. A  thorough  knowledge  of  each,  both  in  health  and 
disease,  is  indispensable  to  a  correct  understanding  of  the 
nature  of  disease.  From  the  pulse  we  learn  the  force  of  the 
heart's  action,  the  force  of  the  arterial  impulse,  the  excita- 
bility of  the  nervous  system,  the  fullness  of  the  blood  vessels, 
and  the  tone  and  physical  condition  of  the  arteries.  The 
pulse  should  be  examined  when  the  animal  is  at  rest  and  as 
tranquil  as  possible.  It  is  increased  in  colthood  and  dimi- 
nished in  old  age. 

The  number  of  beats  per  minute  in  the  aged  horse  range 
from  36  to  40;  in  the  ox  tribe,  50  to  55  ;  sheep,  75  to  80  ; 
dog,  90  to  100;  swan,  200;  duck,  136;  hen,  140,  while  in 
man  it  ranges  from  70  to  75.  Not  only  the  frequency,  but 
the  character  of  the  pulse  is  of  great  significance  in  deter- 
mining disease ;  for  example,  the  pulse  of  fever  is  known  by 
moderate  acceleration,  with  variable  increase  of  force  in  the 
beat. 

The  most  convenient  place  to  take  the  pulse  is  the  sub- 
maxillary artery  under  the  jaw. 

The  pulse  of  inflammation  is  not  only  increased,  but  hard 
or  tense. 

The  pulse  of  extreme  debility  is  very  small  and  rapid,  or 
thready.     The  other  symptoms  of  fever  are  : 
Increased  heat  of  the  whole  body. 
Dryness  of  the  skin,  mouth,  &c. 


Diminution  in  the  bulk  of  the  excretions. 

Increase  of  respiration. 

Disturbance  of  the  stomach  and  brain. 

It  is  well  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  word  "fever"  is  used 
in  a  two-fold  sense — first,  as  a  morbid  state  of  the  system ; 
and,  second,  as  part  of  the  designation  of  several  complex 
diseases,  such  as  influenza,  &c.,  where  there  is  not  only  the 
fever  in  the  first  sense,  but  also  several  organs  involved.  So 
here  are  several  complex  diseases  bearing  the  one  name  of 
fever. 

The  temperature,  or  usual  heat  of  the  body,  is  from  98° 
to  99°  by  the  medical  thermometer,  increasing  a  little  during 
exercise.  This  is  the  proper  degree  of  heat  while  in  a  state 
of  health,  and  any  increase  above  the  standard  is  always  a 
certain  indication  of  inflammatory  action.  This  instrument 
has  only  within  the  last  few  years  been  introduced  into 
veterinary  practice,  but  it  is  a  most  valuable  acquisition,  for 
by  it  we  can  tell  in  a  moment  any  improvement  or  unfavor- 
able symptoms  in  our  patients  with  an  accuracy  and  cer- 
tainty that  can  be  learned  from  no  other  single  examination. 

The  variations  of  heat  in  different  diseases,  as  registered 
by  this  instrument,  range  from  99°  to  any  number  up  to  113°. 
It  is  generally  introduced  into  the  rectum  and  held  there  for 
three  minutes. 

Each  disease  has  its  own  degree  of  temperature  at  which 
it  is  either  favorable  or  fatal ;  for  example,  in  spinal  menin- 
gites  104°  is  always  a  certain  indication  that  death  is  at 
hand,  while  the  same  degree  of  heat  is  quite  common  in 
other  diseases  without  any  cause  for  alarm.  107°  to  110° 
have  been  reached,  and  recovery  taken  place,  in  such 
diseases  as  bronchitis,  pneumonites  and  enterites. 

We  have  already  said  that  the  skin  is  hot  and  dry  during 
the  presence  of  fever,  consequently  moisture  is  always  a 
favorable  sign  of  returning  health.  But  there  are  some 
exceptions  to  this  rule  ;  the  cold  and  clammy  perspiration 
of  extreme  prostration  are  not  to  be  mistaken  for  moisture. 
Coldness  of  the  skin,  or  inequality  of  temperature,  are  more 
or  less  unfavorable.  After  an  animal's  temperature  has  fallen 
a  few  degrees  during  some  attack  of  fever,  and  suddenly 
rises  to  its  former  state,  this  also  is  always  a  most  unfavor- 
able symptom.  Emaciation  is  often  an  important  sign,  and 
generally  accompanies  chronic  diseases ;  it  occurs,  however, 
very  rapidly  in  some  few  acute  diseases,  such  as  diarrhoea 
and  dysentery.     Young  animals  in  particular  during  their 


attacks  become  flabby  and  shrunken  from  the  changes  in 
the  adipose  tissue,  which  gives  plumpness  and  roundness  to 
the  appearance.  Eruptions  on  the  skin  are  associated  with 
some  diseases,  such  as  scarlatina,  &c. 

Respiratory  organs. — The  function  of  the  several 
organs  of  respiration  is  to  purify  the  blood  by  bringing  it  in 
contact  with  the  oxygen  of  the  atmosphere,  and  also  the 
removing  of  carbonic  acid  from  the  tissues,  both  of  which 
are  performed  by  inspiration  and  expiration  in  the  act  of 
breathing.  The  normal  average  rate  of  breathing  in  the 
aged  horse  while  at  rest  is  from  eight  to  twelve  respirations 
in  the  minute,  but  in  fever  it  is  much  accelerated.  During 
the  progress  of  some  diseases  the  muscles  assisting  in  the 
act  of  breathing  are  allowed  to  rest  while  another  number 
take  their  place  in  an  abnormal  fashion  ;  this  is  commonly 
seen  in  pleuritis,  and  is  called  "abdominal  breathing," 
which  is  a  source  of  relief  to  the  animal. 
DifiiGult  respiration  may  be  caused  by  : 

Some  irrespirable  gas  in  the  stable. 

Morbid  changes  in  the  state  of  the  blood. 

Obstruction  of  the  larynx. 

Spasmodic   constriction,  as  in    bronchitis,   pneumonia, 
pleurisy,  cancer,  hydrothorax,  ascites,  &c. 
Coughing  depends  on  a  variety  of  causes  which  may  be 
known  by  its  character. 

Cough  is  dry  and  hollow  when  nervous  or  sympathetic. 

Dry  and  tight  in  early  bronchitis. 

Soft,  deep  and  loose  in  advanced  bronchitis. 

Short  and  sharp  in  pneumonia,  &c. 
Roaring  is  produced  by  atrophy  of  the  muscles  of  the 
larynx,  and  is  generally  the  result  of  chronic  disease. 

The  temperature  of  the  breath  is  increased  during  the 
febrile  state.  Coldness  of  the  breath  is  a  certain  sign  of  the 
near  approach  of  death. 


SYMPTOMS  CONNECTED  WITH    DIGESTIVE  AND  OTHER 
ORGANS   BRIEFLY   STATED. 

Deficiency  and  thickness  or  viscidity  of  the  saliva  occurs 
generally  during  fever,  and  often  also  in  chronic  diseases, 
especially  of  the  throat  and  stomach. 

Appetite  is  generally  deficient  in  disease,  especially  of 
an  acute  character. 


Excessive  appetite  sometimes  occurs  in  nervous  affec- 
tions, in  diabetes,  and  also  from  worms  in  the  alimentary 
canal. 

Perverted  appetite  is  one  of  the  symptoms  of  hysteria 
in  the  mare,  together  with  spasms  of  throat  and  closing  of  the 
jaws  ;  it  is  also  a  symptom  of  acute  indigestion. 

Thirst  is  excessive  in  both  high  fever  and  low  collapse. 
Difficulty  of  swallowing  may  result  from  : 

Inflammation  of  the  fauces  or  pharynx. 

Spasmodic  constriction  of  the  throat. 

Stricture  of  pharynx  or  esophagus. 

Obstruction  by  a  foreign  body,  tumor,  &c. 

General  debility,  &c. 
Vomiting  never  takes  place  in   the  horse  except  from 
rupture  of  the  stomach. 

Bleeding  from  the  nose  may  result  from  : 

Mechanical  injury,  blows  from  whips,  &:c. 

Congestion  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nostrils. 

Congestion  of  the  brain,  &:c. 
This   variety   of  hemorrhage   is  most  common  in  young 
plethoric  animals. 

Bleeding  from  the  womb  in  mares  may  be  caused  by  : 

Congestion,  ulcerations  or  cancers. 

Unavoidable  hemorrhage  when  foaling. 
From  the  bowels  by  f 

Hemorrhoids  or  piles. 

Dysentery. 

Ulceration  of  the  bowels. 

Cancer  of  the  rectum. 

Rupture,  or  aneurism. 
Bloody  urine  may  result  from  : 

Mechanical  injury  of  the  bladder  or  urethra. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys. 

Calculus. 

Scarlatina  in  rare  cases. 

SYMPTOMS   CONNECTED   WITH    THE    SECRETIONS. 
Constipation  may  denote  : 

Torpor  of  the  muscular  coat  of  the  bowels. 

Deficient  secretion  of  the  liver  or  intestinal  glands. 

Defective  innervation. 

Stricture  of  the  rectum,  colon,  &c.,  or  cancer. 

Intussusception,  strangulated  hernia,  &c. 

Smypathetic  disturbance  from  fever,  (S:c. 


SYMPTOMS   CONNECTED   WITH    URINATION. 

Retention  of  urine  may  be  caused  by : 
Stricture  of  the  urethra. 
Enlargement  of  the  prostrate  gland. 
Calculus  in  the  bladder  or  urethra. 
Retention  of  urine  always  accompanies  spinal  meningites 
in  the  horse.     When  this  occurs  it  must  be  taken  away  with 
a  catheter  ;  this  is  a  fact  worth  remembering,  as  many  horses 
have  died  from   rupture   of  the  bladder  /;/  this  disease^  in 
prolonged  cases. 

There  are  many  symptoms  connected  with  the  heart  which 
can  only  be  learned  by  auscultation  after  long  experience, 
and  would  not  be  of  any  use  to  ordinary  readers  in  a  work 
of  this  kind. 


SYMPTOMS   CONNECTED   WITH    THE    MOTOR 
APPARATUS. 

The  mode  of  lying  down  of  a  patient  should  be 
carefully  noticed,  for  in  many  diseases  it  may  assist  in  the 
diagnosis. 

Inability  to  lie  down  is  most  frequently  the  result  of 
difficult  respiration ;  the  muscles  assisting  in  the  act  of 
breathing  have  the  freest  scope  in  the  standing  position. 
Most  horses  have  an  instinctive  dread  of  this,  and  so  long 
as  nature  holds  out  they  will  persist  in  keeping  on  their  feet, 
lest  they  should  not  be  able  to  rise  up  again.  In  this  respect 
they  differ  very  much  from  cattle  and  other  animals.  The 
horse  is  a  highly  nervous  animal,  and  no  matter  how  slight 
an  accident  or  lesion  may  befall  him,  if  he  fancies  he  cannot 
or  will  not  rise,  a  few  days  lying  will  so  act  on  his  nerves 
that  generally  speaking  his  recovery  is  very  improbable. 

In  such  diseases  as  hinder  him  from  standing  the  first  thing 
to  be  done,  therefore,  is  to  get  the  slings  and  brace  him  up 
with  them.  These  are  contrivances  that  no  horseman  should 
be  without. 

The  manner  in  which  horses  behave  in  this  way  during 
the  progress  of  disease  will  be  noticed  more  particularly  in 
those  cases  in  which  they  are  manifested,  such  as  colics, 
enterites,  <S:c. 

Inability  to  rise  may  depend  on  general  weakness  and 
debility,  rheumatic   inflammation  of  the  joints,  or  injuries 


8 

such  as  fractures  or  dislocation,  and  in  bad  cases  of  founder 
(or  laminitis). 

Paralysis  of  the  extremities,  sometimes  of  one  hind 
leg  and  often  of  both,  is  often  seen  in  our  practice;  the 
latter  form  nearly  always  accompanies  cerebro  and  spinal 
meningites. 

Loss  of  sensation  generally  goes  along  with  loss  of  power. 

Lying  on  one  side  is  often  significant  of  disease  in  the 
early  stage  of  pleurisy ;  the  patient  prefers  to  lie  on  the 
healthy  side,  but  when  effusion  has  taken  place  this  is 
reversed.  When  the  heart  is  enlarged  or  violent  in  its  action 
the  sufferer  generally  cannot  lie  on  his  left  side. 

Great  muscular  debility  accompanies  such  diseases  as 
influenza,  in  which  the  animal  cannot  stand  without  assist- 
ance ;  also  in  acute  diseases  from  actual  exhaustion  and 
prostration. 

Spasm  is  of  three  kinds — tonic,  clonic  and  choreic. 
Tonic  spasm  is  fixed  rigidity ;  clonic  spasm  is  ordinary  con- 
vulsions, /.(?.,  successive  contractions  of  the  muscles  at  short 
intervals;  choreic  spasm  is  a  term  used  to  indicate  the  jerk- 
ing, irregular  movement  of  the  muscles,  not  controllable  by 
the  will  in  cases  of  chorea. 


SYMPTOMS   CONNECTED   WITH    THE   SENSORY 
APPARATUS. 

Of  these  pain  is  the  most  important.  Horses  suffer  pain  as 
much  as  the  human  species,  but  absence  of  speech  (which 
should  excite  our  pity)  hinders  them  from  describing  the 
various  sorts,  as  acute,  griping,  twisting,  smarting,  &c. 
We  have  some  indications,  however,  of  pain ;  flinching  when 
touched  on  any  part ;  tenderness  on  pressure,  as  in  laryn- 
gitis and  enterites ;  sometimes  seen  in  the  eye  and  general 
appearance.  Sometimes  pain  is  relieved  by  pressure,  as  in 
colic  and  other  diseases,  which  shows  the  absence  of  inflam- 
mation. Pain  is  not  always  at  the  seat  of  the  disease;  thus 
in  disease  of  the  hip  joint  the  pain  is  felt  at  the  knee,  disease 
of  the  liver  about  the  scapula,  irritation  of  the  uterus  on  the 
top  of  the  head. 

The  eye  affords  many  indications  of  disease  ;  projection 
of  the  haw  (or  membrana  nictitans)  is  always  a  sign  of  lock- 
jaw. A  prominent  and  turgid  condition  of  both  eyes  occurs 
in  acute  opthalmia  and  in  congestion  of  the  brain. 


Sinking  of  one  eye  indicates  local  atrophic  disease. 
The  expression  of  the  face  is  usually  altered  in  acute  disease. 
Anxiety  and  distress  are  easily  discerned  in  our  patient. 

Terror  is  shown  by  the  expression  of  the  face.  Young 
animals  brought  suddenly  into  contact  for  the  first  time  with 
the  sights  and  sounds  of  city  life  are  very  much  alarmed  and 
terrified  by  unusual  experiences.  I  have  seen  a  young  horse 
frightened  to  death,  one  17th  of  March,  by  a  brass  band. 

Rage  is  very  easily  seen  in  hydrophobia  and  some  other 
diseases. 

What  has  been  said  already  on  General  Semeiology  will 
be  sufficient  for  the  plan  pursued  in  this  unpretending  work, 
with  the  exception  of  a  few  words  on  physical  diagnosis. 


PHYSICAL   DIAGNOSIS. 

By  this  means  we  determine  the  actual  and  relative  posi- 
tion, material  condition  and  functional  action  of  the  different 
organs  contained  within  the  body. 

There  are  at  least  six  modes  of  examination  of  the  thoracic 
and  abdominal  cavities,  but  for  all  practical  purposes  two 
are  sufficient,  percussion  and  auscultation. 

By  percussion  we  learn  much  of  the  physical  condition 
of  such  organs  as  the  lungs,  heart,  and  abdominal  viscera, 
through  the  variations  of  resonance  and  resistance  when  the 
walls  of  the  thorax  or  abdomen  are  lightly  struck. 

Auscultation  is  equally  important,  but  somewhat  more 
difficult  in  its  application  on  account  of  the  complexity  of 
sounds  afforded  by  it ;  this  is  especially  true  in  cattle  prac- 
tice, but  is  not  so  difficult  in  diseases  of  the  horse.  It  con- 
sists in  direct  listening  to  the  sounds  produced  within  the 
cavities  of  the  body,  by  placing  the  ear,  with  or  without  an 
instrument,  upon  the  surfaces  thereof. 

General  expansion,  or  local  bulging,  and  general  re- 
traction and  local  depression,  are  the  signs  most  frequently 
noticed  in  the  following  diseases. 

Retraction,  or  local  depression  of  the  thoracic  walls, 
may  result  from  : 

Absorption  of  pleuritic  effusion. 
Tuberculization. 
Pneumonia. 
Pleuro-pneumonia. 
Infiltrated  cancer  of  the  lungs. 


lO 

Diminution  of  the  expansion  and  elevation  of  the  ribs 
in  breathing  in  : 

Pleurisy. 

Pneumonia. 

Intercostal  rheumatism. 

Paralysis. 

Hydrothorax. 
Percussion  consists  in  simply  tapping  with  the  ends  of 
the  fingers  the  body  of  the  animal. 

A  majority  of  practitioners  use  no  kind  of  instrument  for 
this  purpose,  but  placing  the  middle  finger  of  the  left  hand 
in  the  spaces  between  the  ribs  (when  they  want  to  percuss 
that  portion  of  the  body),  and  then  striking  it  with  the  ends 
of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  listen  to  the  sounds  pro- 
duced. In  using  percussion  as  a  means  of  physical  diagnosis 
we  note  : 

The  clearness  or  dullness  of  resonance  produced. 

The  duration  of  the  resonance. 

Its  special  character. 

The  degree  of  resistance  felt. 
It  is  indispensable  for  every  student  of  veterinary  medi- 
cine that  he  should  be  familiar  with  the  normal  and  natural 
sounds  observed  in  health,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  the  reason 
of  the  meaning  of  every  sign. 

Two  or  three  very  simple  facts  explain  the  use  of  percus- 
sion in  diagnosis.  When  any  solid  body  is  struck  the  sound 
elicited  varies  according  to  its  material,  form,  size ;  and  if 
hollow  the  condition  of  its  walls  and  that  of  its  contents. 
The  thorax  (or  abdomen)  of  the  horse,  having  a  certain 
general  form,  size,  condition  of  its  walls,  and  proportion  of 
air,  blood,  and  solid  structure  in  its  contents,  will  give  forth 
a  certain  degree  and  kind  of  resonance. 

Whatever  alters  either  the  state  of  its  walls,  or  the  propor- 
tion of  air,  fluid,  and  solid  contained  within  them  must  give 
rise  to  an  alteration  of  percussion-resonance.  For  example  : 
The  more  air  and  the  less  fluid  or  solid  contained  within  the 
parts  of  the  chest  which  is  percussed  the  clearer  and  fuller 
the  resonance,  and  as  a  general  rule  the  less  the  resistance 
to  the  finger.  Any  increase  in  the  relative  proportion  of 
liquid  (as  in  pleuritic  effusion),  or  of  solid  (as  tuberculiza- 
tion), must  cause  a  duller  or  lesser  degree  of  resonance,  and, 
other  things  being  equal,  a  greater  degree  of  resistance. 
Thus  diminution  of  clearness  and  duration  of  the  percussion 


II 

sound,  with  increased  resistance  of  the  walls  of  the  chest, 
occur  in  : 

Pneumonia. 
Pleurisy. 
Tuberculization. 
Hydrothorax. 
Cancer,  &c. 
Increased  clearness  and  duration  of  resonance,  with  de- 
crease of  resistance,  occurs  in  heaves,  or  pulmonary  emphy- 
sema, atrophy,  or  hypertrophy  of  the  lungs,  &c. 

In   auscultation,  as  well  as  in  percussion,  a  comparison  is 
made,  not  only  with  the  normal  standard,  but  also  between 
the  two  sides  of  the  body. 
Respiratory  sounds : 

Normal  respiratory  murmur. 
Prolonged  expiratory  sound. 
Harsh  tubular  blowing. 
Bronchial  breathing. 
Dry  secretory  sounds  : 
Sibilant,  hissing  or  whistling. 
Sonorous. 
Dry  crackle. 
Moist : 

Fine  crepitant  rale. 
Coarse  crepitant  (or  mucous  rale). 
Humid  crackling  or  gurgling. 
Friction  sounds  are  peculiar  to  pleurisy  and  pericar- 
ditis at  the  stage  of  adhesion. 

Bronchial  breathing  occurs  when  the  lung  is  being 
solidified. 

The  sibilant  and  sonorous  sounds  are  heard  as  the  result 
of  narrowing  and  obstruction,  by  congestion,  mucous,  &c. 

The  dry  crackle  is  associated  with  incipient  or  infiltrative 
tubercle. 

Amongst  the  moist  sounds,  the  finest  or  most  delicate  is 
the  fine  crepitation  of  pneumonia.  It  is  very  well  imitated 
by  rubbing  a  few  hairs  of  one's  head  between  the  thumb  and 
finger  near  the  ear. 

Feeble  respiratory  murmur  is  heard  in  one  or  both 
lungs  in  cases  of: 

Foreign  bodies  in  air  passages. 

Bronchitis. 

Pneumonia. 

Pleurisy. 


12 

Infiltrated  tubercle. 

Emphysema. 

Hydrothorax. 

Intercostal  rheumatism. 

Paralysis. 
The  coarse  crepitant  rale,  (or  mucous  rale),  is  ob- 
served in  : 

Capillary  bronchitis. 

Late  stage  of  pneumonia,  &c. 
Displacement  of  the  heart,  diaphragm,  liver,  spleen,  and 
stomach  sometimes  occur  from  pleuritic  effusion  and  other 
causes. 

GENERAL   PATHOLOGY. 

The  seat  of  disease  may  be,  says  an  eminent  physician, 

In  the  constitution. 

In  special  tissues. 

In  particular  apparatus. 

In  individual  organs. 
Morbid  state  of  the  animal  economy: 

Over-excitement. 

Fever. 

Depression. 

Exhaustion. 

Degeneration  of  organic  force  (cachexia). 

Toxamia. 
Morbid  states  of  organs : 

Over-excitement. 

Hypertrophy. 

Irritation. 

Inflammation. 

Chronic  inflammation. 

Atony,  exhaustion. 

Degeneration. 
Of  the  above    the   most    important    general  or  systemic 
morbid  states  may  be  included  under  fever,  toxoemia,  and 
cachexia,  constituting  a  tripod  of  systemic  disease. 

A  similar  tripod  of  the  most  frequent  and  important  local 
disorders  may  be  established  of  irritation,  inflammation,  and 
atrophy. 
Symptoms  of  fever: 

Increased  heat  of  the  whole  body. 

Dryness  of  the  mouth,  skin,  &c. 

Frequency  of  the  pulse. 


13 

Increased  respiration. 

Muscular  debility. 

Diminution  in  bulk  of  the  excretions. 

Functional  disturbance  of  the  brain,  stomach,  &c. 
Heat   is  the  most  essential   characteristic  of  the  febrile 
state,  having  given  name  to  it  in  all  languages ;  this  is  pro- 
duced by  excessive  tissue  metamorphosis  under  the  abnormal 
tension  condition  of  the  nerve  centres. 

Toxaemia  is  a  term  used  to  indicate  poisoning  'of  the 
blood.  Certain  diseases,  more  than  others,  are  believed, 
upon  the  strongest  evidence,  to  depend  upon  a  chemical  and 
dynamic  change  in  the  blood,  to  which  the  name  of  toxaemia 
is  applied.     Toxaemia  originates  at  least  in  two  ways : 

1 .  By  the  introduction  from  without  of  some  morbid  poison 

into  the  blood,  as  in  the  case  of  pleuro-pneumonia 
and  splenic   appoplexy  in  cattle,  as  well   as  glanders 
and  other  diseases  of  the  horse. 

2.  By  the  non-excretion,  and  consequent  accumulation  in 

the  blood  of  post-organic  or  excrementitious  sub- 
stances, which  by  their  own  properties,  or  the  change 
they  undergo,  prove  injurious  to  the  system. 

All  of  the  zymotic  diseases,  as  well  as  the  exanthematic 
(smallpox  in  sheep,  for  example),  have  their  origin  explained 
by  the  fact  of  these  modes  of  blood  poisoning. 

The  effects  of  these  poisons  when  introduced  into  the 
system  of  an  animal  are  both  local  and  constitutional  symp- 
toms. The  constitutional  symptoms,  which  begin  the  attack, 
are  nearly  alike  for  them  all ;  the  local  symptoms  are  pecu- 
liar for  each  one. 

Toxaemia  from  non-elimination  of  the  excretions  is  seldom, 
if  ever,  an  idiopathic  affection.  It  is  therefore  best  studied 
in  connexion  with  those  diseases  of  which  it  forms  a  second- 
ary, or  resultant,  though  important  part. 

Cachexia  is  usually  understood  to  mean  a  depraved 
habit  of  system  ;  an  error  of  development  or  nutrition  affect- 
ing the  general  state  of  the  organs  and  functions  with  per- 
version or  debility.  The  history  of  the  different  cachexia 
belongs  rather  to  special  pathology.  We  see  instances  of  this 
in  tuberculosis  in  cattle,  as  well  as  farcy  in  the  horse.  The 
formation  of  tubercle  in  the  lung  and  other  tissues  in  the 
horse  on  post-mortem  examination  is  very  well  demonstrated. 

The  term  "tuberculosis"  is  applied  to  certain  slow, 
specific  inflammations,  abscesses,  ulcerations,  and  other  dis- 
orders of  the  skin,  mucous  membrane,  glands  and  bones  which 

2 


14 

occur  during  the  progress  of  those  diseases,  and  are  charac- 
terized by  the  moderate  degree  of  vascular  excitement 
attending  them.  Hereditary  predisposition  is  the  chief 
cause  of  tuberculosis,  but  other  causes  also  promote  the 
diathesis,  such  as  change  from  a  warm  to  a  damp  locality, 
want  of  proper  food,  light  and  warmth,  dark,  foul  stables,  &:c. 
Tuberculosis  may  be  defined  (pathologically)  as  a  con- 
stitutional tendency  to  the  formation  of  blood,  the  plasma 
of  which  is  defective  in  organizable  capacity,  so  that  instead 
of  healthy  tissue,  it  forms  abortive  blastema,  which  accumu- 
lates as  a  deposit,  which  is  called  tubercle. 
The  effects  of  this  deposit  are : 

Obstruction  and  arrest,  or  impairment  of  functions. 
Inflammation,  as  in  tubercular  pneumonia. 
Ulcerative  destruction  by  the  repeated  formation  and 
softening  of  the  matter,  which  produces  cavities  in 
the  organs  involved. 
The  organs  most  frequently  attacked  are  the  lungs  and 
the  lymph  glands. 

The  order  of  frequency  with  which  different  organs 
are  affected  with  tubercle  is  as  follows : 

Lungs.  Spleen. 

Intestines.  Kidneys. 

Lymph  glands.  Liver. 

Larynx.  Bones. 

Serous  membranes.  Uterus. 

Brain.  Testicles. 

The  parts  especially  preferred  by  tubercle  for  its  deposit 
are  in  the  lungs,  the  apex,  in  the  pia  mater,  about  the  base 
of  the  brain,  the  grey  substance,  in  the  bones,  in  the  bowels, 
the  lowest  part  of  the  ilium,  &c. 

Hypertrophy  is  strictly  an  over-growth,  an  increase  of 
the  size  and  weight  of  a  part  without  change  of  tissue.  It 
is  only  in  recent  times  that  this  has  been  clearly  distin- 
guished from  enlargement  with  alteration  of  tissue. 

A  constant  law  of  the  animal  economy  is,  that  within  cer- 
tain limits  the  growth  of  an   organ  is  in  proportion  to  its 
exercise,  provided   this  exercise  is  not  too  violent,  and  is 
alternated  with  sufficient  periods  of  repose. 
The  three  causes  of  hypertrophy  are : 

1.  Increased  exercise  of  a  part  in  its  healthy  functions. 

2.  Increased  accumulation  in  the  blood  of  the  particular 

materials  which  a  part  appropriates  in  its  nutrition 
or  secretion. 

3.  Increased  efflux  of  healthy  blood  to  the  part. 


15 

Intermittent  pressure  or  attrition  cause  hypertrophy ; 
consta?it  pressure,  atrophy  or  absorption. 

Atrophy  is  the  wasting  and  diminution  of  a  part  without 
change  of  structure ;  but  most  pathologists  include  also 
under  the  same  term  such  defects  of  nutrition  as  result  in 
degenerative  changes. 

The  causes  of  atrophy  are : 
Deficient  exercise  of  a  part. 
Deficiency  in  the  supply  of  blood 
Defective  supply  of  nervous  influence. 
Inflammation  in  the  part. 

Stimulation  and  irritation  are  often  inconveniently 
confounded.  It  would  be  convenient  and  desirable  to  con- 
fine the  former  term  to  excitation  within  healthy  or  normal 
limits,  applying  the  latter  term  only  to  such  an  excessive 
action  upon  a  part  as  produces  morbid  effects.  Irritation  is 
an  arrest  of  a  vital  movement,  in  a  part,  life  being  considered 
as  a  molecular  motion. 

Inflammation  occurs  in  connection  with  so  many  dis- 
eases, attacks  almost  all  parts  of  the  animal  body,  and  con- 
stitutes in  one  part  or  another  so  many  of  the  cases  of  every 
day  practice,  that  a  correct  notion  of  its  general  nature  and 
phenomena  is  of  the  greatest  practical  importance. 

The  more  common  and  general  causes  of  inflammation 
are  the  following  : 

Exposure  to  cold,  especially  when  heated  or  exhausted,  as 
for  example — keeping  a  horse  shivering  out  of  doors  to  groom 
him  after  a  long  journey.  These  causes  were  already  treated 
of  in  a  former  chapter,  and  they  need  not  be  repeated  here. 
We  may  say,  however,  in  passing,  that  anything  that  inter- 
feres with  the  healthy  balance  of  the  circulation,  or  drives 
the  blood  from  the  skin  (or  capillary  vessels),  will  cause 
congestion  of  internal  organs,  arrest  important  sections,  de- 
press vitality,  and  thus  become  a  fruitful  source  of  many 
diseases. 

Predisposing  causes  of  inflammation  are  such  as 
result  from  peculiarity  of  temperament,  weakened  circula- 
tion from  disease,  over-work,  impure  air,  deficient  nutrition, 
&c.  Exciting  or  local  causes  are  called  irritants  ;  they  may 
be  either  mechanical,  chemical  or  vital — these  act  directly. 
Other  exciting  causes  act  indirectly,  such  as  the  introduction 
of  poison  into  the  system,  the  sudden  suppression  of  dis- 
charges which  are  natural  or  of  long  standing,  the  repression 
of  cutaneous  eruptions,  &c.,  all  of  which  promote  inflam- 
mation. 


r6 

The  actual  and  immediate  causes  of  inflammation  are  such 
causes  as  modify  the  molecular  state  of  the  tissues,  and  arrest 
for  the  time  the  usual  interchange  of  material  between  the 
tissues  and  the  blood.     This  induces  a  true  inflammation. 

An  example  of  the  three  stages  or  processes  of  stimulation, 
irritation,  and  inflammation,  may  be  very  well  studied  in  the 
action  of  a  common  mustard  plaster  applied  to  the  skin. 
Its  first  effect  (or  the  only  one),  if  the  mustard  be  diluted,  is 
merely  stimulant,  the  skin  grows  warmer  and  redder  and  its 
sensibility  is  moderately  heightened.  If  it  be  strong  and 
allowed  to  remain,  irritation  is  produced  ;  this  is  shewn  by 
pain,  tenderness  on  pressure,  &c.  If  the  irritating  matter 
be  now  withdrawn,  all  of  these  may  subside  without  going 
further.  But  if  the  irritation  be  continued  up  to  a  certain 
point  of  duration,  and  intensity,  inflammation  occurs,  then 
we  have  redness,  heat,  pain  and  swelling,  with  effusion  of 
lymphj  which  in  the  cutaneous  inflammation  caused  by  a 
sinapism  or  plaster  of  cantharides,  raises  up  the  cuticle  in 
the  form  of  a  blister.  The  essential  minute  phenomena  of 
inflammation,  as  regards  the  circulation,  are  : 
Central  stasis. 
Concentric  hyperaemia. 
Exudation. 

The  actual  cause  of  inflammation,  we  have  said 
already,  is  the  arrest  for  the  time  of  the  usual  interchange 
of  material  between  the  tissues  and  the  blood. 

Stimulation  causes  active  hyperaemia.  The  arteries 
under  its  influence  exhibit  reflex  action.  When  stimulation 
is  carried  to  morbid  excess,  interrupts,  by  the  molecular 
disturbances  it  induces,  the  normal  life-movement  of  the  part, 
and  checks  the  interchange  of  particles  going  on  between 
the  capillaries  and  the  tissue,  and,  as  a  consequence,  stagna- 
tion ensues. 

Inflammation,  then,  may  be  simply  defined  as  a  local 
lesion  of  nutrition,  with  concentric  vascular  excitement,  re- 
sulting in  exudation.  The  products  of  inflammation  by 
exudation  are — 

Serum,  Blood,  Mucus,  Lymph, 

The  inflammatory  effusion  of  non-fibrinous  serum  is  rare. 
The  term  is  often  applied,  however,  clinically  to  a  serosity 
which  contains  a  small  proportion  of  fibrin,  as  in  the  effusion 
which  follows  pleurisy. 

Blood  is  exuded  occasionally  only ;  e.g.,  in  dysentery,  in 
nephritis,  and  (dissolved)  in  pneumonia. 


17 

Mucus,  a  certain  portion  of  which  constantly  moistens 
the  surface  of  mucous  membranes  in  health,  is  altered  both 
in  character  and  in  amount  by  inflammation.  The  general 
statement  is  that,  when  a  mucous  membrane  is  inflamed 
{e.g.,  in  bronchitis),  its  secretion  of  mucus  is  at  first  arrested, 
then  increased  and,  lastly,  perverted  in  character. 

Goagulable  lymph  is,  however,  the  characteristic  in- 
gredient of  inflammatory  exudation. 

Inflammatory  lymph  is  divided  by  Paget  into  fibrin- 
ous and  corpuscular  lymph,  with  the  assertion  that,  as  a 
general  fact,  the  more  fibrin  a  specimen  of  lymph  contains 
(provided  it  be  healthy  fibrin),  the  greater  the  probability 
of  its  being  organized  into  tissue ;  while  the  larger  its  pro- 
portion of  corpuscles,  the  greater  is  the  likelihood  of  sup- 
puration or  some  other  degeneratine  process,  and  the  more 
tardy  its  development  into  tissue.  The  "  biography  "  of  the 
lymph  of  exudation  consists  in  its  resorption,  or  its  devel- 
opment into  connective,  fibrous,  elastic,  osseous,  cartilagin- 
ous or  vascular  tissue,  or  into  epithelium,  or  its  degeneration 
\x\lo  pus y  granule-cells,  exudation  granules,  &:c. 

The  rapid  resorbtion  of  a  moderate  amount  of  exuded 
lymph  constitutes  the  resolution  of  an  inflammation. 

Its  development  is  also  a  form  of  resolution,  but  with 
modifications  of  the  condition,  dimensions,  &c.,  of  the  part. 

This  is  in  some  instances  merely  restorative. 

The  degeneration  of  the  exudation  results  in  its  being 
thrown  oft"  as  pus,  or  finally  absorbed  in   the  form  of  mole- 
cular exudation  granules.     Whether  immediate  absorption, 
development,  or  suppurative  or  granular  degeneration  shall 
occur  in  any  particular  case  of  inflammation  will  depend — 
On  the  state  of  the  blood. 
On  the  seat  of  the  inflammation. 
On  the  degree  of  the  inflammation. 

As  to  the  seat  of  the  attack,  generally  serous  and 
synovial  tissues — namely,  (pleural,  peritoneal,  arachnoid 
articular) — are  more  subject  to  adhesive  inflammation,  i.e., 
with  the  exudation  of  fibrinous  lymph.  Mucous  tissues  sel- 
dom exhibit  this,  being  more  prone  to  suppurative  inflam- 
mation. Such  special  organs  as  the  lungs,  liver,  &c.,  when 
inflamed,  may  suppurate,  or  the  lymph  exuded  may  degene- 
rate into  exudation  granules,  and  be  finally  absorbed. 

The  degree  of  the  inflammation  exercises  an  im- 
portant influence.  The  greater  its  intensity  or  severity— (if.^., 
the  more  decided  and  extended  the  local  lesion  of  nutrition 


i8 

and  concentric  hypersemia) — the  further  will  the  lymph 
exuded  be  removed  in  its  primary  character  from  that 
transuded  in  the  natural  state  of  the  part ;  and  the  more 
will  its  subsequent  changes  differ  from  those  of  normal  nutri- 
tion and  development 

Degeneration  may  affect  both  the  fibrinous  and  the  cor- 
puscular portion  of  inflammatory  lymph. 
The  fibrinous  part  is  subject  to  : 
Drying  into  horny  concretions. 
Fatty  softening, 
Liquefactive  degeneration. 
Calcareous  and"  pigmental  degeneration. 
The  corpuscular  portion  of  lymph  may  also  undergo  : 
Withering  and  drying. 

Conversion  into  granule  cells  by  fatty  degeneration. 
Calcareous  and  pigmental  degeneration. 
Most  commonly,  however,  into  degeneration  of  the  lymph 
cells  into  blood  cells,  the  whole  of  the  lymph  being  trans- 
formed into  pus.     Pus  is  a    greenish-yellow   creamy  fluid, 
consisting  (under  the  miscroscope)  of  the  liquor  puris  and 
pus  cells  or  corpuscles.     Chemically,  pus  may  be   approxi- 
matively  tested  by  its  solubility  in  liquor  potass?e. 
Suppuration  is  either: 
Circumscribed,  as  in  abscess. 
Diffusive,  as  in  erysipelas. 
Superficial,  as  in  some  diseases. 
The  effects  of  inflammation  upon  the  part  or  organ 
involved  are — 

Enlargement.  Degeneration. 

Induration.  Ulceration. 

Softening.  Mortification. 

We  thus  see  that  very  different,  and  even  opposite,  results 
may  follow  from  different  degrees  or  kinds  of  inflammatory 
action. 

Specific  inflammations  require  merely  to  be  mentioned 
here.  They  occur  in  our  domestic  animals  in  the  following 
diseases : 

Farcy  and  glanders. 
Rheumatism,  melanosis. 
Eruptive  fevers  of  cattle. 
Carbuncular  erysipelas. 

The  different  exanthematous  diseases  of  sheep. 
These  are  distinguished  from  ordinary  inflammation,  and 
from  each  other,  in  that — 


19 

Each  exhibits  a  peculiar  plan  of  morbid  process. 

Each  depends  upon  a  peculiar  cause. 

The  effects  of  said  cause  are  irrespective  of  its  quantity 

or  extent. 
They  are  diffusible  from  one  part  of  the  body  to  another. 
They  exhibit  different  stages  of  the  morbid  process. 
Some  of  these,  as  rheumatism,  is  self-limited  (dying  out). 
Chronic  inflammation. — In  this  form  of  inflammation 
there  is  more  or  less  redness,  heat,  swelling,  and  pain ;  yet 
they  are  wanting  in  exudation,  without  which  (pathologically) 
there  is  no  inflammation. 

The  characteristics  of  this  state  are: 

1.  Enlargement  of  the  blood  vessels  of,  a  part  with  the 

flow  of  a  large  amount  of  blood  through  it. 

2.  Exaggeration  of  the  sensibility  of  the  part,  and  mor- 

bid irritability. 

3.  Deficient  or  irregular  functional  power. 

4.  Unusual  proneness  to  acute  or  sub-acute  attacks  of 

actual  inflammation. 

PATHOLOGY   OF    THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM. 

For  the  purpose  of  pathological  study,  we  must  remember 
that  the  anatomical  elements  of  the  nervous  apparatus  are — 

1.  Grey  vesicular. 

2.  White,  tubular  nervous  substance;  the  former 
being  arranged  in  ganglia,  the  latter  in  nerves  and  commis- 
sures. 

Physiologically,  the  functions  of  the  ganglia  (nerve 
centres)  are  to  receive,  reflect,  accumulate  (generate)  and 
distribute  nerve  force.  The  sole  function  of  the  nerves  and 
commissures  is  to  transmit  or  conduct  it. 

As  a  whole,  we  may  state  the  offices  of  the  nervous 
apparatus  to  be  as  follows  : 

Excito-motor. 

Excito-secretory. 

Sensory. 

Voluntary  motor. 

Sympathetic,  and 

Co-ordinate. 
And  in  man — 

Intellectual. 

Emotional. 
The   primary   disorders    to  which  this  apparatus  is 


20 

liable  are — i,  anaesthesia,  i.e.^  that  condition  in  which  the 
animal  remains  without  cognizance  of  impressions  made  on 
a  surface  which  is  normally  sentient. 

Subjective  hyperaesthesia,  or  perversion  of  sensibility, 
may  be  either  functional  or  organic.  Functional  nervous 
disorder  results  generally  from  an  abnormal  state  of  the 
blood. 

Muscular  Paralysis,  or  that  condition  in  which  a  cen- 
tral volition  (or  the  excitement  equivalent  to  it)  fails  to 
produce  its  normal  effect  of  muscular  contraction. 

Muscular,  as  well  as  sensational,  paralysis,  dependent  on, 
an  affection  of  the  brain,  occurs  on  the  opposite  side  to  that 
of  the  encephalic  lesion. 

Paralysis  of  one  side  of  the  body  is  called  hemiplegia. 
Paralysis  of  both  hind  extremities  is  called  paraplegia ;  with 
or  without  loss  of  sensation. 

Involuntary  contraction  of  voluntary  muscles,  com- 
monly called  convulsions,  may  result  from  worms  in  the 
bowels,  indigested  food  in  the  stomach,  besides  other  causes. 
The  three  forms  of  spasmodic  disturbance  to  which  the 
muscles  are  liable  under  a  morbid  alteration  of  innervation, 
viz.,  the  toniCj  choreic  and  clonic,  are  illustrated  re- 
spectively in  spasms  or  cramps. 

Tetanus,  in  horses  and  sheep. 
Chorea,     /  •     , 
EpilepsV,  [  '"  -^"S^- 
A  further  important  pathological  sub-division  exists  as  to 
the  method  of  origination  of  those  functional  disturbances 
of  the  nervous  system,  to  which  we  have  been  alluding. 

The  source  of  any  of  the  above  forms  of  nervous  disorder, 
hyperaesthesia,  anaesthesia,  muscular  paralysis  or  convulsions, 
may  be  (when  not  purely  local)  either  from  : 
Central  organic  disease. 
Blood  perversion  or  defective  nutrition. 
Purely  sympathetic  disturbance. 
Paralysis   from  central   organic   disease   occurs   from 
softening  of  the  brain  or  spinal  chord,  or  from  pressure  on 
those  organs  from  effusion  or  otherwise. 

From  blood,  perversion  in  such  diseases  as  spinal 
meningitis.  Paralysis  from  sympathetic  disturbance  occurs 
in  traumatic  tetanus. 

It  is  far  from  easy  in  many  cases  to  mark  the  diagnosis 
between  these  different  modes  of  causation  of  nervous  symp- 
toms ;  but  when  the  diagnosis  has  been  made  in  any  instance, 


21 

the  prognosis  is  most  favorable  in  the  last,  less  so  in  the 
second,  and  most  unfavorable  in  the  first ;  /.  ^.,  when  the 
symptoms  have  their  origin  in  an  actual  organic  lesion  of 
an  important  nerve  centre. 

GENERAL  PRINCIPLES  OF  TREATMENT  OF  DISEASE. 

Remedies  classified  according  to  the  indications  of  treat- 
ment in  various  disorders  of  animals.     Regarding  them  in 
this  aspect  they  may  be  studied  thus : 
Anodyne  and  Calmative,  e.g. 

Opium,  Ether,  Chloroform,  in  cases  of  Colic,  Enterites, 

&c. 
Belladona,  Camphor,  Aconite, 
Carbolic  Acid,  Prussic  Acid, 
Pyroxylic  Spirit,  or  Medicinal  Naptha. 
These  remedies  (with  few  exceptions)  are  used   internally 
as  well  as  externally  to  allay  irritation  and  inflammation. 
Protective,  Surgical  dressings  for  wounds,  injuries,  &c. 
Glycerine,  Linseed  Oil, 
Gum  Arabic,  Marsh  Mallow  Root. 
Balancive,  e.g.,  cold  to  an  over  vascular  part. 

Blood  letting,  &c. 
Eliminative,  e.g.,  Colchicum  in  rheumatism,  purgatives. 

Iodide  of  Potassium,  &c. 
Alterative,     e.g.,     Arsenic    in    skin    diseases.       Iodine, 
Sulphur,  &c..  Antimony. 

Economic,   rest,  astringents,  retarders  of   tissue   Meta- 
morphosis. 

Recuperative  Tonics  and  Stimulants,  e.g. 
Tonics. — Cinchona,  Sulphate  of  Iron, 
Sulphate  of  Copper,  Nux-vomica. 
Gentian,  Rhubarb,  Nitric  Acid. 
Stimulants  diffusible. — Spirits  Ammonia,  Alcohol, 

Ether,  Oil  of  Turpentine, 
Spirits  of  Nitric  Ether, 
Potassium,  Soap,  &c. 
The  modes  of  treatment  most  frequently  called  for  in 
the    management    of  acute  and  subacute  affections  of  the 
domestic  animals. 

These  may  be  named  as  treatment  for: 
Arresting  and  mitigating  inflammation  during 
the  existence  of  the  febrile  state. 


The  Supporting,  The  Antidotive  and  the  Altera- 
tive treatment. 

_  Under  the  first  head,  namely,  the  treatment  of  inflamma- 
tion, we  place : 
Arresting  and  mitigating  inflammation. 

Rest,  Cold  Applications, 
Venesstion,  Local  Depletion, 
Purgation,  Diet, 

Nitrate  of  Potassa,  Ipecacuanha. 
Veratrum  Viride,  Aconite, 
Digitalis,  Opium,  Counter  Irritation, 
Actual  Cautery. 
An  elaborate  work  might,  of  course,  be  written   upon   the 
topics  included  in  this  table,  but   a  few  words  with  special 
reference  to  the  general  treatment  of  the  horse  in  his  various 
afflictions  may  not  be  here  out  of  place.     I  am  bold  to  assert 
that  if  the  following  cautions  were  observed  and  the  advice 
here  given    followed,    one-half  the  animals   in   the   United 
States  would  be  saved  to  the  commonwealth,  that   die  every 
year  from  the  neglect  of  those  alone,  namely  : 

Prevention    of    diseases,    by    attending   to  the  laws  of 

Hygene. 
Timely  treatment  of  disease  in  its  incipient  stage. 
Rest  in  the  beginning,  middle  and  end  of  all  disease 
until    strength    is    regained,    and  health    finally    es- 
tablished. 
These  are  particularly  important   in   all  diseases  of  loco- 
motion, such  as  founder,  ringbone,  spavin,  or  any  other  form 
of  exortoris,   then,   timely  remedies,    and   above   all  things 
rest.     Were    these   attended  to    one-fourth    of  the    animals 
that  are  yearly  lost  might  be  saved. 

Cold  Applications  are  very  important  in  the  treatment 
of  inflammation  ;  they  are  very  useful  in  cases  of  acute 
founder  (or  laminitis),  and  in  such  affections  as  disturb  the 
brain  or  any  of  its  coverings,  as  in  phrenitis  and  cerebro- 
.  spinal  meningites.  Ice  has  been  successfully  used  in  these 
cases  as  well  as  in  cases  of  sun-stroke. 

Bloodletting,  whether  from  the  jugular  vein  or  any  of 
the  smaller  arteries  is  one  of  the  olde'st,  and  has  been  one 
of  the  most  universal  remedies  for  inflammation,  although  it 
has  been  out  of  fashion  now  for  some  years.  "  The  theory 
of  inflammation  as  held  by  the  most  accurate  pathologists  in- 
culcates that  the  determination  of  blood  towards  an  in- 
flamed part  conspires  with  the  central   stasis  in  causing  the 


23 

exudation,  and  that  a  constant  proportion  exists  between 
the  degree  of  this  active  turgesence  and  the  amount  of  the 
exudation,  and  the  character  of  the  changes  it  subsequently 
undergoes.  Now,  of  the  cardinal  elements  of  the  inflamma- 
tory process,  the  local  arrest  of  nutrition  and  capillary 
stasis  cannot  be  directly  affected  by  treatment.  Nor  when 
the  exudation  occurred  can  any  but  palliative  or  expectant 
measures  be  applied  to  the  management  of  its  changes. 
But  the  active  concentric  determination  of  blood  in  the 
arterial  excitement  can  be  essentially  modified  by  the  ab- 
straction of  several  quarts  of  blood.  By  this  special  opera- 
tion we  lessen  : 

The  fulness  of  the  vessels. 
The  number  of  red  corpuscules. 
The  force  of  the  heart's  impulse. 
The  force  of  the  arterial  impulse. 
The  excitement  of  the  nerve  centres. 
And  by  each  and  all  of  these  influences  we  diminish   the 
vascular   excitement   connected  with,  an  inflammation,  and 
thus  lessen   the    amount    of  the    resultant    exudation,    and 
render  its  bigrophy  more  normal,  its  changes  less  degenera- 
tive and  destructive. 

The  great  object  to  be  attained  in  blood-letting,  where  it 
is  imperatively  necessary,  is  to  balance  the  circulation. 

There  is  not  a  single  case  of  any  kind  of  disease  in  which 
the  indications  or  object  of  medical  treatment  is  to  reduce 
the  strength  or  lower  the  vital  power  of  the  animal's  system. 
What  we  aim  at  is  to  reduce  the  disproportionate  vascular 
excitement  or  congestion,  and  restore  the  balance  of  circu- 
lation. 

The   indications   for  abstraction  of  blood   in   all 
diseases  exists  in  the  following  states  of  the  system  : 
High  vigorous  inflammation. 

Active   congestion    threatening    inflammation  or  hem- 
orrhage. 
General  plethora. 
Violent  spasms. 

Sudden  passive  congestion  in  horses  of  high  condition. 
The  quantity,  according  to  the  age,  size  and  condition 
of  the  animal,  may  vary  from  two  to  five  quarts. 

The  safest  instrument  for  this  purpose  is  called  a  phleme. 
The  head  of  the  patient  is  held  up  while  the  phleme  is  struck 
with  a  short  stick  made  for  that  purpose.  The  skin  over 
the  jugular  vein  is  then  carefully  pinned  up  with  a  suture. 


24 

The  pulse  is  the  infallible  guide  as  to  the  quantity  of 
blood  sufficient  in  these  cases  ;  when  it  falters,  it  is  time  to 
say  stop. 

Purgation,  especially  by  saline  cathartics,  is  frequently 
useful  in  this  treatment.  There  are,  however,  some  excep- 
tions to  this  rule. — ist.  Never  give  purgative  medicine  in 
peritonitis  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  and  especially 
never  give  large  doses  of  aloes  nor  any  purgative  to  young 
colts.     Linseed  oil  is  the  proper  laxative  in  these  cases. 

Diet. — No  stimulating  food,  during  inflammation,  is  to  be 
permitted,  boiled  roots,  apples,  &c.,  afterwards  sufficiency 
of  good  oats.  Sue. 

Nitrate  of  Potassa  is  a  very  valuable  adjunct  to  cr  in 
some  cases  substitute  for  the  antimonial  nitrate,  it  is  most 
invaluable,  in  many  cases,  as  acute  laminitis  and  other 
diseases  in  one  or  two  ounce  doses. 

Ipecacuanha,  combined  with  opium  is  especually 
valuable  in  bronchial,  tracheal,  and  laryngal  inflammation, 
and  in  dysentery. 

Veratrum  Viride  is  lately  assuming  an  important  place 
as  a  cardiac  and  arterial  sedative  and  promoter  of  the 
secretions. 

Aconite  is  likewise  a  favourite  medicine  with  some 
practitioners  in  the  management  of  pneumonia  and  pleurisy, 
but  a  very  deadly  remedy  in  ignorant  hands. 

Digitalis  is  much  used  in  horse  practice,  especially  in 
bronchitis.  Opium  is  an  arterial  stimulant,  and  is  there- 
fore (as  a  general  rule)  inappropriate  in  the  early  stages  of 
an  active  inflammation.  Opium  first  excites  and  then  op- 
presses the  brain,  in  a  word  produces  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head,  and  is  therefore  contraindicuted  by  an 
already  existing  tendency  to  cerebral  congestion.  Besides 
these,  opium  constipates  the  bowels ;  this  fact  is  of  less  im- 
portance than  either  of  the  two  preceding,  as  the  constipa- 
tively  tendency  can  be  counteracted,  if  desirable,  by  other 
medicines,  while  in  other  cases  it  aids  in  the  treatment  as 
in  dysentery. 

In  peritonitis,  where  the  extent  and  visceral  connexions  of 
the  tissue  affected  induce  more  rapid  prostration,  as  well  as 
more  serious  nervous  irritation  than  in  other  inflammations, 
opium  has  become  the  main  dependence  with  very  many 
practitioners,  even  from  the  beginning  of  the  attack. 

Counter  Irritation  is  a  measure  of  treatment  often  of 
great  service,  especially  in  the  later   stages  of  inflammation 


25 

(after  general  depletion),  or  in  such  cases  as  are  unattended 
with  much  vascular  excitement.  In  the  very  incipiency  or 
incubation  of  an  inflammatory  attack,  /.<f.,  in  the  stage  of 
mere  irritation  or  congestion,  counter-irritation  (by  mustard) 
may  prevent  the  further  progress  of  an  inflammatory  attack. 
But  if  the  case  is  advanced  beyond  this  stage,  counter- 
irritation  may  do  much  mischief. 

Counter-irritation  is  usually  the  most  important  part  of 
the  treatment  of  chronic  inflammation,  of  which  we  shall 
speak  in  a  subsequent  chapter. 

To  recapiculate  the  order  of  time   in  which   long   experi- 
ence has  prescribed  the  use  of  the  different  means  now   in- 
cluded under  the  head  of  the   treatment  for  subduing  and 
mitigating     inflammation,     supposing    most    of    the    main 
remedies  of  this  class  to  be  called   for  in   a  given   case,  we 
would  first  resort  to  : 
Abstraction  of  blood,  next  to 
Saline  purgatives,  then  to 
Nitrate  Potassa. 
Veratrm  Viride  or  Aconite. 
Sometimes  Opium,  with  or  without  the 
Counter-irritation,  &c. 
The  subsequent  debility,  especially  in   cases  of  suppura- 
tive inflammation  may  call  for  tonics,  or   even   stimulants, 
with  generous  diet,   &c.,  while  certain  cases  will   even   re- 
quire such  treatment  from  the  beginning. 

The  febrifuge  treatment  comprises  no  violent  measures 
of  any  kind  ;  the  chief  indications  are  to — 

Allay   the   heat    and    dryness    of  various    parts   of  the 

body. 
The  Tegumentary  and  mucous  surfaces. 
To  favor  the  removal  of  execrata,  &c. 
These  are  accumulated  in  unusual  amount   in   the   blood 
and  organs.     For  these  purposes  we  use  : 
Moderate  Laxatives. 
Saline  Diaphoretics. 
Cold  drinks. 
Tepid  ablutions. 
The  Supporting  Treatment  is  that  adapted  to  states 
of  prostration    and    debility,    for    this   purpose    tonics    and 
stimulants    are    used,    along    with    nourishing    food.     The 
remedies    chiefly    employed    for  this   purpose    are  alcohol, 
ammonia,  ether,  opium,  camphor,  turpentine,   capsicum,  &c. 
General  weakness  of  an  animal  occurs  under  three  forms  ; 


26 

Exhaustion,  depression,  oppression. 
Exhaustion. — We    are    familiar   with    the   first    as   the 
effect  of: 

Over-exertion. 
Loss  of  sleep. 
Excessive  purgation. 
Following  acute  or  chronic  disease. 
Depression   is  to  be  discriminated  from  exhaustion  as 
resulting,  not  from  expenditure  or  waste  of  the  material  or 
forces  of  the  body,  but  from  interference  with  their  normal 
activity  by  some  disturbing  cause. 

Oppression  is  the  result  of  another  form  of  obstruction 
of  the  functions  of  the  animal  economy. 

Exhaustion  and  depression  have  their  chief  seat  in  the 
nerve-central  sources  of  dynamic  force.  Oppression,  in  the 
circulation  of  the  blood,  or  in  some  subordinate  organs  or 
functions. 

Serious  degrees  of  oppression  occur  in  some  cases  of  vis- 
ceral congestion,  particularly  of  the  lungs  or  brain,  and  in 
violent  spasmodic  affections  of  the  alimentary  canal,  with 
constipation  of  the  bowels.  Uraemia,  from  inaction  of  the 
kidneys,  presents  another  cause  of  oppression,  in  which  even 
a  fatal  result  may  occur. 

Counterfeit  debility  or  oppression  thus  may  occur  in  : 
The  first  stages  of  all  acute  diseases. 
The  febrile  state. 
Indigestion  of  an  acute  kind. 
Congestion  of  the  lungs  or  brain. 
Obstruction  of  the  bowels,  uraemia. 
These  different  lesions;  and  their  appropriate  treatment, 
will  be  found  in  another  part  of  the  work  under  their  proper 
heads. 

Depression  is  exemplified  in  the  states  produced  by : 
Severe  injuries,  extensive  burns. 
Sudden  frights  or  terror. 

Withdrawal  of  nourishing  food,  and  semi-starvation. 
Intense  toxaemia. 
Spasm  of  the  diaphragm,  &c. 
In  all  of  these  conditions    stimulation    is  absolutely  re- 
quired, in  greater  or  less  degree,  always  bearing  in  mind  the 
probability  of  reaction,  and  avoiding  as  far  as  possible  the 
exaggeration  of  this  reaction  into  fever. 

The  antidotal  treatment  can  only  be  glanced  at  here. 
Where  animals  are  poisoned  the  specific  poison  requires  a 


27 

specific  antidote.     The  simplest  kinds  are  included  in  such 
substances  as : 

White  of  eggs  (albumen). 

Glycerine. 

Charcoal. 

Lard. 
In  the  case  of  corrosive  and  irritant  poisons,  demulcents 
may  be  given  to  sheathe  and  protect  the  mucous  surface  of 
the  alimentary  canal. 

The  alterative  treatment. — A  large  and  important 
class  of  diseases  appear  to  depend  upon  some  morbid  mate- 
rials in  the  blood,  which  induce  such  diseases  as  rheuma- 
tism, eruptive  fevers,  the  various  slcin  diseases,  typhoid  fever 
in  horses,  &c.  They  include  the  following  remedies,  as : 
r  Calomel,  antimony,  iodine. 

Alteratives  <!  ^^^^^^  ^^  i^^^'  ^^^  liver  oil,  sulphur. 
I  Arsenic,  iodide  of  potassium. 
[  Salts  of  silver,  zinc,  copper  and  other. 

Counter-irritation  is  a  measure  of  treatment  of  great 
service,  especially  in  the  later  stages  of  inflammation,  or  in 
cases  unattended  with  much  vascular  excitement.  This  is 
very  serviceable  in  the  second  stage  of  bronchitis  or  pneu- 
monia, but  in  all  other  cases  is  highly  injurious,  for  they  act 
as  co-irritants,  and  only  aggravate  the  inflammation  which 
they  are  intended  to  cure.  Hence  they  should  never  be 
employed  until  the  vascular  excitement  has  subsided. 

Counter-irritants  should  be  employed  as  near  the  seat  of 
the  disease  as  possible.  Before  their  application  the  skin 
should  be  well  washed  with  soap  and  water,  and  the  hair, 
when  long  or  thick,  neatly  clipped  off  with  a  scissors. 

The  actual  cautery,  or  hot  iron,  is  very  much  used  in 
veterinary  practice  as  an  immediate  and  powerful  counter- 
irritant.  It  is  generally  applied  at  a  full  red  heat,  and  the 
higher  the  temperature  the  less  is  the  pain  attending  its 
application.  Besides  being  applicable  to  the  same  uses  as 
vesicants,  it  is  employed  for  many  of  the  purposes  of  caustics. 

The  effects  produced  by  the  hot  iron  are  almost  instanta- 
neous. The  first  result  of  its  application  is  the  carbonization 
of  the  hair  with  which  it  comes  in  contact ;  this  is  indicated 
by  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  chemical  action  which  has  taken 
place.  The  second  result  is  the  destruction  of  all  the  tissues 
with  which  it  comes  in  contact ;  this  is  accomplished  by  the 
absorption  of  the  watery  elements  of  the  blood.  Its  benefi- 
cial effects  in  cases  of  diseased  joints,  ligaments  and  tendons. 


28 

in  which  it  is  so  often  used,  depends  on  its  exciting  a  super- 
ficial inflammation,  and  not,  as  it  was  once  currently  be- 
lieved, on  its  forming  a  permanent  bandage  around  the  parts. 
Indeed,  though  the  skin  for  a  short  time  after  the  operation 
is  corrugated  and  tightened,  it  soon  resumes  its  natural 
elasticity,  and  does  not  embrace  the  subjacent  parts  more 
firmly  than  in  health.  The  firing  of  healthy  hurts,  with  the 
popular  idea  of  strengthening  and  bracing  them  up,  is  now 
deservedly  discountenanced,  for  the  apparent  benefits  result- 
ing from  the  firing  are  now  well  known  to  result,  not  from 
the  operation,  but  from  the  rest  which  it  necessitates.  It  is 
a  prevalent  idea  that  the  efficiency  of  counter-irritants  is  to 
be  measured  by  the  amount  of  discharge  which  they  induce, 
but  this  is  by  no  means  a  general  rule,  for  the  amount  of 
the  counter-irritation  and  of  the  discharge  do  not  bear  a 
consistent  relation  to  each  other,  and  the  only  accurate 
method  of  judging  of  the  power  or  value  of  any  counter- 
irritant  is  by  the  intensity  and  continuance  of  the  inflamma- 
tion it  excites.  The  agents  which  decompose  tissue,  beside 
the  hot  iron  are  : 

Sulphuric  acid. 

Nitric  acid. 

Nitrate  of  silver,  &c. 
These  and  other  caustics  act  in  a  similar  manner.     The 
milder  counter-irritants  are  called  rubefacients  and  vesicants, 
which  are  treated  of  elsewhere  in  this  work. 

EXTERNAL  REMEDIES  CHIEFLY  USED  IN  VETERINARY 
PRACTICE. 

Refrigerants. — Agents  which  diminish  the  morbid  heat 
of  a  part  : 

Solution  of  acetate  of  lead. 

Solution  of  diacetate  of  lead. 

Common  salt. 

Cold  water. 
Discutients. — Agents  which  repel  indolent  tumours  : 

Hydroclorate  of  ammonia. 

Camphor. 

Compounds  of  Iodine. 

Soap  Liniment. 
Rubefacients. — Agents  which  cause  redness  of  the  skin 
without  blistering : 

Liniment  of  ammonia. 
"  tar. 


29 

Liniment  of  turpentine. 

Tar,  pitch  and  vinegar. 
Vesicants. — Agents  which  cause  blistering  : 

Cantharides. 

Euphorbium. 

Croton  oil. 

Nitrate  of  mercury  (citrine  ointment). 

Mylabris. 

Potasso-tartrate  of  antimony. 

Hot  water. 
Caustics. — Agents  which  decompose  tissue  : 

Sulphuric  acid. 

Nitric  acid. 

Hydrochloric  acid. 

Bichloride  of  mercury. 

Nitric  oxide  of  mercury. 

Chloride  of  antimony. 

Chloride  of  zinc. 

Nitrate  of  silver. 

Sulphate  of  copper. 

Hot  water. 
Digestives.  —  Agents    which     induce    suppuration    in 
wounds : 

Black  Hellebore. 

Liniment  of  turpentine. 

Ointment  of  turpentine. 
Detergents. — Agents  which  cleanse  wounds  of  the  skin 
and  excite  them  to  healthy  action  : 

Acetate  of  copper. 

Creosote. 

Liniment  of  sulphate  of  copper. 

Ointment  of  ammonic-chloride  of  mercury. 

Ointment  of  nitrate  of  mercury. 

Sulphur  and  its  compounds. 
Astringents, — Agents  which  diminish   discharges  from 
wounds  : 

Alum. 

Armenian  bole. 

Carbonate  of  Zinc. 

Oxide  of  Zinc. 

Matico. 
Antiseptics.  —  Agents   which    destroy    putrescence    in 
wounds : 

Charcoal 


3° 

Chloride  of  zinc. 

Chlorimated  lime  and  soda. 

Nitrate  of  potassa. 

Sulphate  of  soda. 

Yeast,  &c. 
Agents  which  excite  the  healing  process  in  wounds : 

Aloes  (tincture). 

Collodion. 

Myrrh. 

Oil  of  tar. 

Resin. 

Solution  of  sulphate  of  copper. 

Solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc. 
Emollients. — Agents  which  soften  and  relax  parts. 

Fomentations. 

Glycerine. 

Lard. 

Olive  oil. 

Palm  oil. 

Poultices,  &:c. 
Disinfectants. — Agents  which  in  various  ways  cleanse 
the  atmosphere  of  houses  and  stables  : 

Carbolic  acid. 

Chloride  of  lime. 

Chloride  of  soda. 

Sulphite  of  soda. 

Potash,  soda,  lime,  charcoal. 

Sulphurous  acid  and  others. 
McDougal's  disinfectant  consist  of — 

Sulphite  of  lime. 

Sulphite  of  Magnesia. 

Carbolate  of  lime. 
Gondy's  fluid,   both   of  these  are   extensively  used  in 
stables  : 

Solution  of  permanganate  of  soda. 
"  "  potash. 

Forty  parts  of  water  added  to  six  or  eight  parts  of  this 
solution  is  sufficient. 

LINIMENTS  AND  OINTMENTS  IN  GENERAL  USE. 

Ointments  are  prepared  for  external  use,  when  lard  or 
oil  are  the  excipients,  they  may  be  easily  mixed  with  the 
several  ingredients  in  an  ordinary  mortar,  but  when  wax   or 


31 

resin  is  used,  it  must  be  melted  over  a  slow  fire  ;  the  other 
constitutents  are  then  added,  and  the  whole  mass  stirred 
until  it  has  acquired  the  proper  consistence. 

The  ointments  should  be  kept  in  well  closed  pots  or  jars, 
and  covered  with  strong  paper  or  oil  silk.  The  instrument 
for  dispensing  it  is  called  a  spatulae. 

Cerates  are  ointments  containing  wax,  and 
Liniments,  ointments  containing  oil,  and  of  a  mediate 
consistence  between  ointments  and  oils. 

Blistering  ointments  or  liniments  must  never  be  applied 
in  any  disease  (under  any  pretence)  while  there  is  active  in- 
flammation accompanied  with  constitutional  fever.  If  this 
piece  of  stupidity  is  resorted  to  it  will  only  aggrevate  the 
symptoms  they  intend  to  cure.  These  remedies  are  only 
useful  in  the  later  stages  of  inflammation,  call  chronic  in- 
flammation. These  cautions  apply  to  all  diseases,  whether 
it  be  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  ringbone,  or  spavin. 

The  following  preparations  will  be  found  of  great  efficacy 
and  value  for  the  several  diseases  indicated  : 
Liniment  of  Ammonia :     Take  of— 
Solution  of  ammonia,  one  ounce. 
Olive  oil,  two  ounces. 
Mix  and  agitate  together. 

The  simple  liniment  is  chiefly  used  as  a  counter-irritant 
in  sore  throat,  rheumatism,  sprains,  chronic  tumors  and 
bronchitis.  A  stronger  liniment  may,  if  desired,  be  made 
thus.     Take  of — 

Oil  of  turpentine,  ) 

Olive  oil,  /■    Two  ounces  of  each. 

Solution   of  ammonia.       ) 
Shake  the  ammonia  and  oil  together— then  add  the  other. 
Liniment  of  camphor.     Take  of— 
Camphor,  one  ounce. 
Olive  oil,  two  ounces. 
And  disolve  them. 

This  preparation  is  often  used  for  deep  seated   inflamma- 
tions and  swellings  of  the  glands,   if  required  to  be  more 
powerful,  add  oil  of  turpentine. 
Or,  this,  take  of — 
Camphor,  one  ounce. 
Rectified  spirit,  four  ounces. 
Olive  oil,  one  pint. 
Solution  of  ammonia,  two  ounces. 
Dissolve  the  camphor  in   the  spirit ;  shake   the  oil    and 
ammonia  together,  then  agitate  the  whole  together. 


Liniment  of  sulphate  of  copper,      lake  of — 
Sulphate  of  copper,  one  part. 
Tar  or  molasses,  four  parts. 
Reduce  the  sulphate  to  a  fine  powder,  mix   together,  heat 
them  over  a  slow  fire,  stir  them  together  until   the  whole   is 
of  a  red  brown  color. 

This  is  a  useful  digestive  ointment  in  all  cases  of  canker, 
thrush,  as  well  as  foot  rot  in  sheep. 

Mercurial  liniment  (compound).     Take  of— 
Mercurial  ointment,  two  ounces. 
Camphor,  one  drachm. 
Creosote,  one  drachm. 
Liquor  ammonia,  two  ounces. 
Linseed  oil,  six  ounces. 
This  is  a  capital   remedy    for  all   skin  affections   of  the 
domestic  animals  (but   must   not  be  used  too  often),   it  is 
highly  beneficial  also  in   chronic   indurations   and   enlarged 
glands. 

Liniment  of  Croton  oil.     Take  of— 
Croton  oil,  one  part. 
Glycerine,  or  \ 

Soap  liniment,  or    >■  Eight  parts  of  any  of  these. 
Oil  of  turpentine.  ) 
This   liniment    is    more   useful    in    cattle    practice,    as    a 
counter-irretant  in   bronchitis,  pneumonia,  plurisy,   chronic 
enlargement  of  the  glands,   and   lastly  in  cases   of  chronic 
rheumatism  of  the  joints. 

Wash  for  lambs.     Take  of^ 
Oil  of  tar.      )  ^         •   ^    r        i 
Naptha.        )  O"'^  i^'"'  °^  '^^'^''- 
Soft  soap,  three  pounds. 
Sulphur,  one  pound. 
Stir  and  dissolve  in  four  gallons   of  boiling   water.     Add 
then  as  much  cold  water  as  will  make  altogether  25  gallons, 
this  will  dip  25  lambs. 

Wash  for  sheep.     Take  of — 
Acidun  arsenicalis,  pulverized.  ^ 
Soft  soap.  y  Six  ounces  of  each. 

Carbonate  of  potassium.  j 

Water,  14  gallons. 
Sulphur,  4  ounces. 
Hellebore  root,  2  ounces. 
Boil  the  several  ingredients  in  a  portion  of  water  until 
the  arsenic  is  dissolved,  then  add  the  rest  of  the  water. 


33 


y  Equal  parts. 


Liniment  for  burns  and  scalds- 
Solution    of    lime. 
Olive  oil. 
Lime  poultice.     Take  of — 

Solution  of  chlorinated  lime,  two  ounces. 
Linseed  meal,  four  ounces. 
Boiling  water,  eight  ounces. 
This   poultice  does  good   service  in   cases   of  unhealthy 
wounds  and  ulcers. 

Wood's  wash,  valuable,   for  cuts   and  wounds.     Take 
of— 

Tincture  of  arnica,  three  ounces. 
Aloes,  two  ounces. 
Glycerine,  one  ounce. 
Collodion,  five  drachms. 
Egyptian  ointmentj  for  quittons,  corns,  thrushes  and 
fistulas.     Take  of — 

Honey.      }  q,^^     „^^ 
Vniegar.    \  '■ 

Solution  of  sulphate  of  copper,  one  pound. 
Boil  slowly  the  three   substances,  over  a  slow  fire,  keep 
them  well  stirred,  when  of  red  color  take  them  up   and  put 
away  in  china  jars. 

For  scab  and  mange.     Take  of — 
Carbolic  acid,  seven  ounces. 
Sulphur,  two  ounces. 
Mix  thoroughly  and  apply  to  the  animal. 
Ointment,    for    grease,    ringworm     and    skin    affection, 
stimulant  and  detergent,  usually  called  citrine  ointment. 
Citrine  ointment.    Take  of — 
Mercury,  4  ounces. 
Nitric  acid,  10  ounces. 
Lard,  15  ounces. 
Olive  oil,  32  ounces. 
Dissolve  the  mercury  in  the  nitric  acid,  with  gentle   heat, 
melt  the  lard  in  the  oil  while  hot,  add  the   mercury  to   acid 
while  hot,  mix  all  together  well  in  a  large  vessel.     If  it  does 
not  froth  up  increase  the  heat  until  it  does,  and  keep  stirred 
until  cooled. 

Camphorated  oil.     Take  of — 
Camphor,  one  pint. 
Olive  oil,  four  pints. 
Discutient  and  Anodyne,  for  tumors,  sprains,  bruises,  ^c. 


34 

Liniment  for  tetanus  or  lockjaw.    Take  of— 
Turpentine.  1 

^•1     r-  V  Two  ounces  of  each.     Mix. 

Oil  of  organum.       ( 

Oil  of  cider.  J 

Rub  this  preparation  well  on  the  parotid  glands  and 
jugular  vein. 

For  affections  of  the  eye  the  following  wash  will  be  found 

useful.     Take  of — 

Wine  of  opium.  }  r,.  c        u 

-D  ^  ^  r  1  wo  ounces  oi  each. 

Rose  water.  ) 

Sulphate  of  zinc,  half  scruple. 

Shake  them  together  and  apply  gently  to  the  eyes. 

Ointments,  chiefly  used  in  horse  practice. 
Blistering  ointment.     Take  of — 

Black  pitch,  four  ounces. 

Resin,  four  ounces. 

Wax,  three  ounces. 

Oil,  twelve  ounces. 

Cantharides,  pulverized,  five  ounces. 

Euphorbium,  two  ounces. 
Melt  the  pitch,  rosin  and  wax  together,  then   add  the  oil, 
afterwards  the  powder,  with  care. 
Hoof  ointment — 

Yellow  wax.  1 

Lard.  | 

Sweet  oil.  J-  Equal  parts. 

Venice  turpentine.  | 

Honey.  J 

First  melt  the  wax,  lard  and  oil  together,  then  add   the 
turpentine  and  honey.     Stir  till  cold. 
Hoof  liquid — 

Oil  of  turpentine,  four  ounces. 

Wood  tar,  four  ounces. 

Whale  oil,  eight  ounces. 

To  make  a  solution  of  aloes.     Take  of — 
Barbadoes  aloes,  one  pound. 
Carbonate  of  Soda,  half  pound. 
Water,  one  gallon. 
Take  seven  pints  of  the  water,  break  up   and  dissolve  the 
aloes  in  the  water,  by  putting  them  on   a  fire   not  too   hot, 
when  cool  pour  off.     Dissolve  the  soda  in  the  other  part  of 
water,  after  heating,  then  mix  both  together  and  cork  up. 


35 

Chronic  cough  mixture — 

Barbadoes  aloes  in  powder,  two  ounces. 
Digitalis,  one  ounce. 
Common  mass,  thirteen  ounces. 
Beat  together  to  make  a  mass.     The  dose  is  one  ounce. 
To  disinfect  a  stable  :     Burn  sulphur  on  an  iron  plate,  or 
use  chloride  of  lime,  or  crude  carbolic  acid. 

Burns  and  scalds. — An  excellent  remedy  consists  of 
a  coating  of  linseed  oil  and  white  lead  mixed  together ;  also 
the  following  :     Take  of — 

Hydride  of  lime.      )  -^^  ^^  ^^^^ 

Chloric  ether.  )  ^^  ^ 

Glycerine,  five  ounces. 
Mix. 
Cathartic  for  a  dog.     Take  of— 
Castor  oil,  three  parts. 
Syrup  of  Buckthorn,  two  parts. 
"         poppy,  one  part. 
Dose,  four  to  eight  fluid  drachms,  according  to   the   size 
of  the  animal. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 


These  include  the  Lips,  Tongue  and  Teeth,  the  Pharynx, 

the  Esophagus,  the  Stomach,  the  large  and  small 

Intestines,  the  Liver  and  other  Glands, 

and  the  Peritoneum. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TONGUE  AND  MOUTH. 

Cause. — This  is  generally  the  result  of  a  most  pernicious 
practice  of  some  horsemen  of  giving  Gin  and  Turpentine 
(for  some  supposed  disease)  in  their  undiluted  form  ;  or 
oftener,  perhaps,  by  the  administration  of  very  potent  medi- 
cines in  their  pure  state.  The  fiery  liquid  is  poured  down 
the  animal's  throat  heedless  of  consequences,  and  it  is  well 
if  the  mischief  does  not  extend  from  the  throat  to  the 
stomach,  producing  gastritis.  The  prescriptions  of  the 
Veterinary  Surgeon  should  be  strictly  followed,  or  much 
damage  may  ensue. 

Symptoms. — There  is  an  unusual  redness  of  the  tongue 
and  mouth,  the  lips  are  constantly  in  motion  up  and  down, 
and  saliva  in  large  quantities  flows  from  them.  Now  and 
then  smacking  of  the  lips  is  heard.  After  some  time  the 
tongue  is  inflamed  and  swollen.  Food  is  rejected,  as  the 
animal  is  in  no  condition  to  masticate  or  swallow. 

Treatment. — Smear  the  tongue  and  lips  with  the  follow- 
ing: borax  pulverized  one  ounce,  glycerine  or  honey  six 
ounces.  If  the  stomach  be  suspected  of  injury  from  poison 
contained  in  those  abominations  called  condition  powders, 
take  of  sulphuric  ether  two    ounces,   tinct.    of  opium    two 


38 

ounces,  linseed  oil  half  a  pint,  for  one  dose.  Cold  gruel 
may  be  given  instead  of  the  oil  if  preferred.  Let  the  food 
only  consist  of  cold  gruel  and  boiled  roots.  Laceration  of 
the  tongue  is  not  uncommon :  violence  in  many  shapes  pro- 
duce if  they  do  not  divide  it.  When  a  brutality  of  this  kind 
is  inflicted,  experience  proves  that  the  best  treatment  is  to 
take  two  quarts  of  tepid  water,  put  into  it  one  fluid  ounce  of 
carbolic  acid,  and  the  creature  will  find  much  relief  in 
bathing  his  tongue  in  it ;  the  quantity  of  each  may  be  doubled 
if  necessary. 

Cattle  sometimes  while  grazing  get  thorns  stuck  into  the 
back  part  of  the  tongue  or  cheek,  causing  discharge  of  saliva 
and  inability  to  eat,  which  must  be  seen  to  and  extracted. 

ULCERATED  AND  IRREGULAR  TEETH. 

Cause, — The  former  is  chiefly  produced  by  small  stones 
of  various  sizes  getting  mixed  with  the  oats  or  other  feed 
(through  the  negligence  of  stablemen),  and,  of  course,  one 
or  more  of  the  molar  teeth  become  permanently  injured  by 
the  terrible  wrench  of  the  powerful  jaws  of  the  horse. 
Powerful  acids  given  by  ignorant  persons  in  some  rare  cases 
induces  disease  of  the  teeth. 

Symptoms. — There  is  considerable  tenderness  and 
swelling  of  the  face,  the  food  lodges  in  the  hole  formed  and . 
putrifies.  There  is  great  difficulty  in  chewing,  and  the 
breath  smells  badly.  But  in  most  cases  the  evil  does  not 
stop  here,  after  some  time  the  tooth  injured  wears  away, 
and  the  opposing  tooth  having  no  attrition,  grows  to  an 
enormous  size,  grates  against  the  gum,  and  is  followed  by  a 
discharge,  which  sometimes  has  been  mistaken  for  glanders. 
Any  person  interested  in  the  subject  may  see  such  a  speci- 
men on  exhibition  at  the  New  York  College  of  Veterinary 
Surgeons. 

Treatmient. — Many  remedies  have  been  tried,  such  as 
stuffing  the  tooth  with  gutta  percha  and  other  substances, 
but  it  is  always  the  best  plan  to  have  the  diseased  tooth  re- 


39 

moved  by  a  forceps  made  for  that  purpose,  and  a  piece 
chiselled  off  the  opposite  molar.  Irregular  teeth  are  the 
cause  of  much  pain  to  animals ;  as  the  horse  gets  aged  the 
outer  edges  of  the  upper  and  the  inner  edges  of  the  lower 
molars  get  sharp  as  lances,  cutting  the  gums  and  cheek 
every  time  the  animal  attempts  to  eat.  The  consequences 
is  a  constant  dribbling  of  saliva  and  quidding  of  the  feed. 
This  state  of  thing  is  produced  by  contraction  of  the  lower 
jaw.  The  only  treatment  is  to  file  off  the  edges  of  the  teeth 
with  a  proper  instrument  made  for  that  purpose.  It  is  best 
to  rasp  off  a  little  at  a  time,  even  should  it  take  a  week. 
The  mouth  should  be  kept  open  with  a  balling  iron,  and  suf- 
flcent  caution  used  not  to  wound  the  cheeks  or  tongue. 

LAMPAS. 

Cause. — This  fancied  disease  occurs  only  in  young 
horses  while  cutting  their  teeth. 

Symptoms. — During  this  period  swelling  of  the  ridges 
of  the  palate  above  and  behind  the  incisor  teeth  is  quite 
common.  There  are  slight  febrile  symptoms,  especially 
when  the  bridle  teeth  or  tushes  begin  to  show  themselves, 
the  parts  become  highly  vascular  and  enlarged,  which  pre- 
vents the  animal  from  eating  his  food. 

Treatment. — No  severe  measures  are  necessary,  such  as 
burning  or  tearing  the  palate.  Simply  scarify  the  enlarged 
ridges  with  a  thumb  lance  or  pen  knife,  not  too  deeply,  and 
apply  a  wash  of  alum  water ;  give  the  animal  soft  food,  boiled 
roots,  bran  mashes,  or  soaked  grain. 

STOMACH  STAGGERS  OR  ACUTE  INDIGESTION. 

Cause. — There  is  generally  but  one  origin  of  this 
disease,  and  that  is  overloading  the  stomach  after  long  ab- 
stinence ;  this  organ  is  small  in  proportion  to  the  size  of 
the  horse,  but  the  digestive  apparatus  provides  for  unin- 
terrupted digestion  ;    sometimes   it   is   produced  by  eating 


40 


hurriedly,  after  severe  work,  food  to  which  the  animal  has 
not  been  accustomed,  as  corn,  vetches,  clover,  &c.  The 
function  of  digestion  being  arrested  leads  to  formation  of 
gas,  especially  if  much  water  has  been  taken;  coarse, 
bulky  food,  if  the  stomach  is  out  of  order,  also  produces 
indigestion. 

Symptoms, — As  the  stomach  is  distended  with  food,  so 
is  the  belly  with  gas.  There  is  as  a  consequence  colicky 
pains,  torj^idity  of  the  bowels,  dullness  in  the  sleepy  stage, 
and  a  staggering  gait.  This  condition  of  the  organs,  if  not 
relieved,  soon  ends  in  inflammation  of  the  bowels  or  rup- 
ture of  the  stomach.  The  other  signs  are  a  quick  pulse, 
labored  breathing,  the  mucous  membrane  blanched,  the  ears 
and  tail  motionless ;  at  other  times  the  animal  attempts  to 
get  relief  by  sitting  on  its  haunches.  Sleepy  and  mad  stag- 
gers are  only  different  stages  of  the  same  disease ;  in  the 
former  the  brain  is  oppressed  by  sympathetic  or  reflex 
action,  while  in  the  latter  it  is  congested,  producing 
phrensy.  There  is  also  unnatural  brightness  of  the  eye,  the 
skin  is  bathed  in  perspiration,  and  the  animal  sometimes 
tries  to  bore  his  head  against  the  wall.  When  the  disease 
has  progressed  thus  far,  remedies  of  any  kind  are  no  use. 

Treatment. — Bleeding  will  do  no  good.  For  this  case 
take  of  linseed  oil  one  pint,  croton  oil  twenty  drops,  or  give 
the  horse  six  drachms  of  solution  of  aloes  with  two  ounces 
of  oil  of  turpentine  with  one  drachm  of  calomel.  Beside 
either  of  these  doses,  much  may  be  done  by  fomenting  and 
rubbing  the  belly  with  hot  water.  Injections  also  containing 
soap,  salt,  or  tobacco  smoke  should  be  used  every  hour. 
However,  should  no  relief  be  obtained,  repeat  the  dose  in  a 
few  hours.  If  there  should  be  great  stupor,  a  drink  of 
whiskey  with  plenty  of  ginger  will  do  good  service.  As  the 
animal  recovers,  great  attention  to  the  food  will  be  required; 
light  food  in  small  quantities  at  intervals  of  four  or  five 
hours  will  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  disease. 


41 
CRIB  BITING. 

Cause. — Acidity  of  the  stomach,  arising  from  sameness 
of  food — oats  and  hay  continuously  without  any  change  to 
mashes  or  green  food.  In  other  instances  the  number  of  hours 
at  one  time  some  horses  are  allowed  to  pass  in  the  stable  is 
an  exciting  cause;  the  animal  becomes  restive  and  irritable, 
and  resorts  to  this  vicious  pastime.  Hot,  unhealthy  stables, 
water  which  has  remained  for  hours  absorbing  air  and  other 
gases  in  the  stable,  given  to  the  animal,  are  also  potent 
influences  to  crib  biting.  Young  mares  particularly  are  sub- 
jects of  this  vice.  In  many  instances  it  is  learned  from  some 
old  stager  who  is  well  up  in  the  business,  and  nearly  always 
gives  rise  to  heartburn  and  indigestion.  Thus  it  is  perceived 
how  crib  biting  is  at  once  both  a  cause  and  an  effect  of  indi- 
gestion, sadly  interfering  with  a  horse's  endurance,  and 
constituting  unsoundness. 

Symptoms. — Licking  the  stable  walls  or  any  cool  sub- 
stance, retraction  of  the  upper  lip,  stretching  the  nose,  gen- 
erally precedes  the  act.  Cribbing  is  not  exactly  biting;  the 
animal  merely  rests  his  upper  incisors  on  some  firm  sub- 
stance, stretches  his  neck  and  body  backwards,  and,  after 
much  effort,  a  portion  of  gas  is  emitted.  A  cribber  is  easily 
known  by  the  worn  and  ragged  appearance  of  the  outer 
edges  of  his  teeth. 

Treatmient. — Place  a  large  piece  of  rock  salt  and  chalk 
near  the  animal's  head.  Let  the  feed  be  damp  and 
sprinkled  with  a  little  magnesia  for  a  few  days.  Let  the 
atmosphere  of  the  stable  be  well  ventilated.  Or,  instead  of 
the  magnesia,  give  half  an  ounce  of  ginger  and  gentian 
twice  a  day.  To  hinder  cribbing,  remove  the  rack  and  place 
his  food  on  the  ground  in  some  such  way  as  to  make  this 
habit  impossible. 

SPASMODIC  COLIC,  BELLY  ACHE,  ETC. 

Cause. — This  is  the  more  dangerous  form  of  the  disease, 
and  must  be  carefully  distinguished   from   windy  colic,  also 


42 

called  flatulent  colic,  or  tympanites  (from  tympanum,  a 
drum).  They  are  easily  diagnosed  if  the  history  and 
symptoms  of  the  patient  are  attentively  watched.  A 
variety  of  causes  will  induce  this  disease  :  fast  driving, 
drinking  cold  water  after  severe  exercise,  change  of  food 
from  dry  musty  oats  to  new  grass,  constipation,  a  fatiguing 
journey,  and  at  other  times  when  no  sufficient  cause  can  be 
assigned.  The  muscular  coat  of  the  small  intestines  is 
commonly  the  seat  of  the  disease,  they  become  powerfully 
contracted,  and  spasm  or  gripes  is  the  result ;  the  contrac- 
tion of  the  tissues  forces  the  blood  into  parts  vv^here  no 
disease  exists.  The  large  intestines  are  also  the  seat  of 
disease  in  other  instances  ;  but  whatever  be  the  cause,  it  is 
a  most  painful  and  dangerous  affection,  and,  unless  timely 
and  proper  treatment  be  applied,  will  speedily  prove  fatal. 
Horses  that  are  overworked  and  badly  managed  are  always 
good  subjects  for  colic,  and  especially  old  and  debilitated 
ones.-  Inability  to  vomit  nauseating  food,  and  offending 
matter,  like  the  dog,  renders  the  solipede  more  subject  to 
this  disease  than  cattle  or  dogs.  The  great  and  sudden 
changes  in  the  temperature  and  humidity  of  the  atmosphere 
at  different  seasons  of  the  year  makes  this  disease  more 
common  in  the  States  than  in  Europe.  Every  farmer, 
horseman  and  stable  keeper  should  know  how  to  manage  a 
case  of  this  kind,  in  the  absence  of  a  qualified  surgeon. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  mostly  sudden — while  "the 
animal  is  feeding,  standing  in  the  street,  or  driving — it  may 
occur  at  any  time  or  place.  First  stage,  general  uneasiness, 
the  nose  turned  to  the  flank,  the  forefoot  pawing  the  ground, 
the  hind  foot  raised  towards  the  belly,  the  breathing  is  hur- 
ried during  each  spasm,  the  pulse  rises  from  70  to  80  beats 
per  minute.  During  the  next  stage  these  symptoms  are 
more  violent ;  at  times  the  animal  seems  to  get  relief  for  an 
instant,  but  the  spasms  come  on  again  with  renewed  vio- 
lence;  the  poor  beast  is  in  the  greatest  agony.  All  self- 
control  is  now  lost;  he  leaps  up  and  dashes  himself  against 


the  ground,  careless  of  consequences;  this  may  be  repeated 
several  times.  The  shock  to  the  system  is  fearful.  The 
poor  beast  now  rolls  over  on  his  back,  striking  out  with  his 
upturned  feet ;  he  now  rises  on  his  haunches,  and  rolls  over 
successively  until  death  ends  his  terrible  agony.  Several  of 
the  signs  here  enumerated  are  always  absent  in  Windy  or 
Flatulent  Colic,  which  makes  a  most  important  distinction,  as 
the  treatment  and  recovery  depend  on  a  correct  diagnosis. 
Slight  colicky  pains  are  symptoms  connected  with  many 
other  diseases,  although  not  of  such  a  severe  kind  as  in 
Spasmodic  Colic.  These  will  be  noticed  in  the  proper  place. 
Treatment. — No  disease  I  know  of  yields  so  readily  to 
timely  and  proper  remedies  as  this,  nor  any  that  proves  fatal 
in  fewer  hours  if  badly  managed  or  neglected.  Some  per- 
sons give  a  large  dose  of  aloes  in  the  shape  of  a  ball,  but  it 
is  highly  probable  the  animal  would  be  some  time  in  the 
rendering  vat  before  it  would  have  time  to  operate.  On  the 
first  appearance  of  the  disease  remove  the  horse  into  a  large 
box  stall,  if  possible,  in  which  there  is  plenty  of  straw.  As 
soon  as  a  spasm  is  over,  and  the  beast  is  a  little  quiet,  this  is 
the  only  time  we  can  hope  to  administer  the  medicine.  The 
following  remedies  I  have  never  known  to  fail  in  a  genuine 
case  of  colic  (per  se) :  Take  of 

Chloroform  one  ounce, 

Tincture  of  opium  one  ounce, 

Sulphuric  ether  one  ounce. 

Linseed  oil  eight  ounces. 
No  proprietor  of  horses  should  be  without  a  pint  each  of 
these  valuable  medicines  in  his  stable  for  emergencies. 
Besides  this  dose  through  the  mouth,  it  will  be  necessary 
(for  those  who  know  how)  to  inject  a  dose  of  morphia  under 
the  skin.  This  is  easily  learned.  Procure  a  hypodermic 
syringe  sufficient  to  hold  two  drachms,  insert  its  sharp  point 
under  the  skin  anywhere  in  the  middle  of  the  side  of  the 
neck.  Two  drachms  of  Magentas  solution  of  morphia  is  a 
sufficient  dose.     In  most  cases  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 


J 


}  For  one  dose. 


44 

repeat  the  former  dose;  however,  if  the  symptoms  do  not 
abate  give  another.  A  blister  of  strong  liquor  ammonia  with 
six  times  its  bulk  of  water  put  on  a  cloth  and  held  up  to  the 
animal's  belly  has  sometimes  done  good,  but  great  care  is  need- 
ed lest  blistering  and  dissolving  the  skin  should  follow ;  also, 
enemas  of  turpentine  one  pint,  put  into  one  quart  of  soap 
water,  has  done  good  service.  However,  I  would  recom- 
mend no  treatment  except  the  first-mentioned,  for  they  are 
nearly  infallible  remedies. 

FLATULENT  COLIC,  WINDY  COLIC,  TYMPANITES. 

Cause. — Impaired  digestion,  especially  in  old  debilitated 
horses,  loss  of  tonicity  of  the  stomach,  loss  of  nervous  in- 
fluence, overwork,  gorging  on  new  grass,  sudden  and  great 
changes  in  the  heat  of  the  weather,  any  and  each  of  these 
have  produced  tympanites.  A  large  feed  after  a  long  fast, 
in  fact,  anything  that  arrests  or  impairs  the  digestive 
powers.  Animals  in  their  wild  state  are  not  subject  to  this 
derangement  of  the  system.  I  have  often  watched  bison 
and  buffaloes  filling  themselves  with  new  grass  until  they 
could  not  stand ;  the  respiration  was  so  hurried  that  every 
moment  I  expected  to  see  them  expire,  but  it  seemed  to  do 
them  no  harm.  Retention  of  provender  in  the  stomach  a 
longer  time  than  nature  has  assigned  leads  to  most  un- 
pleasant conditions ;  fermentation  begins,  and  there  is  a 
constant  formation  of  gas,  some  say  of  hydrogen,  and  thus 
tympanites  is  the  result. 

Symptoms. — Before  the  swelling  is  noticeable,  the  ani- 
mal behaves  in  a  very  fidgety  manner,  hangs  his  head,  and 
generally  walks  in  a  circuitous  way  in  his  stall.  At  inter- 
vals he  stands  motionless,  except  that  the  foot  paws  the 
ground,  the  pulse  is  feeble  but  high.  There  is  a  very  sleepy 
look  about  him.  After  some  time  enlargement  of  the  abdo- 
men is  observed.  Here  it  may  be  well  to  state  that  in 
windy  colic  there  is  not  that  violence  of  action  that  we  ex- 
pect to  find  in  spasmodic  colic,  the  animal  does  not  sud- 


45 

denly  dash  himself  against  the  ground,  neither  does  he  roll 
over  on  his  back  repeatedly.  There  is  considerable  caution 
in  the  animal's  attempts  to  lie  down  (if  he  does,  indeed,  lie 
down  at  all),  which  is  very  seldom  in  windy  colic. 

It  is  well  to  remember  also  that  in  spasmodic  colic  the 
animal  is  well,  or  dead  in  a  few  hours,  whereas  in  windy 
colic  the  animal  may  be  distressed  for  three  or  four  days, 
until  relieved.  In  addition  to  the  preceding  symptoms,  the 
breathing  becomes  labored,  the  eye  almost  fluid,  the  dia- 
phragm is  pressed  against  the  lungs  so  as  to  injure  the 
breathing ;  the  heart  flutters,  and  death  soon  ensues  if 
|)roper  treatment  is  not  applied. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  case  is  correctly  diagnosed, 
take  of  liquor  ammonia  three  to  four  drachms,  and  put  it 
into  half  a  pint  of  linseed  oil ;  as  soon  as  this  is  horned 
down  the  animal's  state  will  be  a  good  deal  better.  Besides 
giving  the  medicine,  a  dirty  job  must  be  done  next,  and 
that  is  to  backrake  the  beast.  Let  the  hand  be  well  oiled 
and  the  fingers  compressed  together  at  their  ends,  and  in- 
troduced gradually  up  the  rectum,  and  its  contents  raked 
out  on  the  floor.  After  this  is  done,  throw  up  an  injection 
of  some  quarts  of  castile  soap  suds ;  if  it  comes  back  in  the 
face  of  the  surgeon,  so  much  the  better.  In  very  many 
cases  this  part  of  the  treatment  alone  has  relieved  the  ani- 
mal. No  food  or  water  is  to  be  given  until  the  animal  is 
cured.  However,  should  the  case  prove  a  protracted  one, 
and  the  gas  not  only  fill  the  stomach,  but  intestines,  the 
following  treatment  must  be  followed  as  well  as  the  pre- 
ceeding  :  Three  or  four  drachms  of  chloride  of  lime  in 
half  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  must  now  be  given  ;  the  hydrogen 
gas  unites  with  the  chloride,  and  form  the  hydro-chloric 
acid.  Then,  after  sometime,  give  one  or  two  balls  of  ani- 
mal charcoal  mixed  with  glycerine,  say  six  to  eight  drachms 
of  the  charcoal  for  one  ball,  to  absorb  the  gas.  In  some 
very  severe  and  obstinate  cases,  the  left  side  has  to  be 
punctured  in  order  to  make  an  exit  for  the  gas,  but  this 
may  be  only  one  in  a  thousand. 


46 

DIARRHCEA. 

Cause. — Quantities  of  crude  indigested  food  of  any 
sort,  or  swallowing  any  foreign  substance,  will  produce  this 
disease.  Horses  brought  from  one  part  of  the  States  to 
another,  in  which  water  of  a  very  different  composition 
from  that  previously  used,  given  to  animals,  has  been  known 
to  induce  scouring  for  some  time.  Certain  breeds  of  horses 
under  the  slightest  exertion  are  troubled  in  this  way. 

Diarrhoea  also  follows  from  irritating  and  impure  matters 
in  the  blood ;  also  from  eating  large  quantities  of  green 
food,  and  lastly,  it  comes  on  occasionally  as  a  sequel  to 
some  debilitating  disease. 

Symptoms. — Mere  looseness  of  the  bowels  without 
straining  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  diarrhoea,  in  which 
there  is  nearly  always  some  substance  impacted  in  the  in- 
testines, unless  in  the  cases  already  excepted.  Constant 
expulsion  of  liquid  faeces  from  the  bowels  (not  always  in 
large  quantities),  is  nature's  own  remedy  for  driving  out  the 
noxious  substance  from  the  alimentary  canal.  The  evacu- 
ation contains  mucus,  bilious  and  fsecel  matters,  in  which 
it  differs  very  much  from  dysentery,  (in  which  disease  blood 
is  also  evacuated). 

Treatment. — Active  treatment  in  ordinary  cases  is  not 
advised.  It  is  best  to  watch  the  symptoms,  and  help  nature 
in  doing  its  own  work.  Should  there  be  great  straining 
with  little  evacuations,  her  indications  are  there  for  laxitive 
remedies  to  assist  her.  In  this  case,  take  of  aloes  four 
drachms,  gentian  four  drachms,  make  into  a  ball  of  one 
dose.  An  equal  amount  of  ginger  may  be  given  yistead  of 
gentian.  Should  there  be  continued  purging  from  relaxation 
of  mucous  lining  of  the  intestines  after  the  expulsion  of  all 
offending  substances,  here  soothing  remedies  are  to  be 
given.  Take  of  ether  and  laudanum  one  ounce,  with 
twenty  grains  of  tannin,  put  them  into  a  pint  of  gruel,  or 
flax  seed  tea,  for  one   dose  for  the  horse.     The  provender 


47 

should  be  changed,  and  consist  of  bruised  oats  and  good 
hay,  and  very  little  water.  No  roots  or  new  grass.  The 
above  dose  may  be  given  once  or  twice  a  day,  if  required. 

DYSENTERY,  COLITIS. 

Cause. — Any  acrid  or  poisonous  substance,  as  croton 
oil,  arsenic,  and  quack  condition  powders,  have  been  known 
to  set  up  inflammation  of  the  intestines.  Long  exposure  to 
cold,  hard  work  and  musty  feed  are  also  potent  means  to 
inflammatory  purgation. 

Symptoms. — The  great  abdominal  pain  in  the  begin- 
ning of  this  disease  is  one  symptom  that  might  lead  an  in- 
experienced person  to  mistake  this  disease  for  colic.  Violent 
evacuations  from  the  bowels  containing  blood,  mucus,  lymph, 
(and  should  it  proceed  to  ulceration),  pus,  these  symp- 
toms mark  the  distinction  between  this  dangerous  complaint 
and  diarrhoea.  There  is  also  in  this  disease  excessive  thirst, 
an  offensive  stench  from  the  watery  fluid  discharged  from  the 
bowels.  In  addition  to  these  symptoms  there  is  an  inter- 
mittent pulse,  the  face  is  haggard  looking,  and  there  is 
slight  tympanites.  These  symptoms  of  the  complaint  if 
unrelieved  speedily  end  in  death. 

Treatment. — During  the  first  stage  of  the  disease  give 
the  following : — 

Sulphuric  ether  one  ounce,       j 

Tincture  of  opium     "  !    ^  •, 

^  >  For  one  dose. 

Tincture  of  catechu 

Linseed  oil  six  ounces, 
It  will  be  necessary  also  to  keep  the  quarters  free  from  the 
filth  of  the  evacuations,  tie  up  the  tail,  and  also  give  injections 
of  linseed  tea.  Should  the  animal  improve  on  the  above  treat- 
ment, let  the  food  consist  of  boiled  oats,  linseed  tea  and 
gruel.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated  for  some  time  after 
recovery  it  is  of  no  consequence  or  ground  for  alarm. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS,  ENTERITIS. 

Cause. — Protracted  cases  of  colic  or  stomach  staggers 
sometimes  end  in  inflammation  of  these  delicate  organs ; 
overloading  the  stomach  Avith  old  indigestible  food  fre- 
quently acts  as  an  exciting  cause  of  enteritis.  In  other  in- 
stances it  is  brought  on  by  sudden  chills  after  exhausting  work, 
when  an  animal  is  perspiring  very  freely.  External  violence, 
such  as  kicks  and  blows,  has  given  rise  to  inflammation  of 
the  large  or  small  intestines.  Besides  these,  there  are  other 
predisposing  causes  which  are  very  obscure  in  their  origin. 
Occasionally  it  occurs  as  a  sequel  to  epizootic  diseases,  such 
as  influenza,  &c. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  very  much  resemble 
colic,  only  of  a  much  milder  type.  The  horse  has  oc- 
casional shivering  fits,  the  nostrils  are  dilated,  and  the 
breathing  increased ;  the  animal  walks  round  his  stall  and 
pretends  to  lie  down,  but  he  seems  very  cautious  and  par- 
ticular what  spot  he  chooses  to  rest  on.  At  times  he  will 
roll  over  and  try  to  ease  himself  by  rolling,  kicking  or 
plunging  in  a  very  methodical  fashion ;  the  pulse  from 
being  firm  becomes  quicker  and  smaller,  or  wiry,  as  it  is 
called.  Pressure  on  the  abdomen  gives  great  pain,  while  in 
colic  it  relieves ;  the  animal  turns  his  head  to  his  flanks 
continually.  Should  the  case  yield  to  treatment  the  bowels 
begin  to  act,  and  there  is  copious  urination. 

Treatment. — AVhen  the  case  is  seen  in  time,  and  es- 
pecially if  the  animal  is  young  and  in  good  condition,  and 
the  pulse  firm  and  distinct,  do  not  hesitate  to  bleed  to  the 
extent  of  four  or  five  quarts,  by  so  doing  we  lessen  the 
chances  of  exudation,  and  balance  the  arterial  system.  If 
the  bowels  are  confined  don't  give  aloes.  Take  of  linseed 
oil  eight  ounces,  tincture  of  opium  two  ounces,  sulphuric 
ether  two  ounces,  and  gently  horn  it  down  the  animal's 
throat.  Much  good  can  be  done  also  by  repeated  injections 
of  linseed  tea,  in  which  there  is  two  ounces  of  opium.  An 
application  of  a  thin    coating  of  mustard  to  the   belly,   or 


49 

cloths  wrung  out  of  hot  water  will  also  do  good  service. 
If  the  bowels  are  operated  on  by  the  oil,  and  all  hard  faeces 
are  ejected,  it  is  a  very  favorable  symptom.  As  the  horse 
improves  the  greatest  care  is  required  in  the  selection  of 
food.  No  bran,  hay,  or  mashes  is  to  be  given  on  any  pre- 
tence. Cold  gruel  mixed  with  an  ounce  each  of  tincture  of 
opium  and  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  may  be  given  every  couple 
of  hours.  As  convalescence  proceeds,  boiled  roots,  scalded 
oats,  in  very  small  quantities  at  one  meal  is  the  proper  diet 
for  a  horse  recovering  from  this  tedious  and  very  dangerous 
disease.  Good  nursing  is  more  requisite  in  this  disease 
than  in  any  other  with  which  the  horse  is  afflicted. 

BOTS,  WORMS,  ETC. 

Cause. — The  former  of  these  pests  are  sometimes  found 
in  the  stomach,  while  the  latter  are  occasionally  met  with  in 
the  caecum,  colon  and  duodenum  of  the  horse,  but  it  must  be 
confessed  that  the  injury  done  lies  more  in  the  fancies  of 
horsemen  than  in  the  intestines  of  the  animals  supposed  to 
be  afflicted  with  them.  However,  in  rare  instances,  where 
animals  are  allowed  to  graze  for  a  long  time  in  low,  wet 
meadows,  and  marshy  grounds,  worms,  in  large  quantities, 
find  their  way  into  the  stomach,  and  occasion  some  trouble. 
Bots  do  little  harm  to  the  stomach,  unless  in  immense  num- 
bers, so  as  to  interfere  with  digestion. 

Symptoms. — A  dull  untufty  coat,  irritable  bowels.  The 
dung  light  colored  and  unhealthy  looking  Occasionally 
there  is  expelled  quantities  of  mucus.  There  are  also 
colicky  pains  and  a  general  thriftless  appearance  in  the 
animals  so  affected.  Convulsions  resulting  from  worms  is 
not  seen  once  in  a  lifetime. 

Treatment, — For  bots  and  worms  of  all  kinds,  the 
remedies  are  much  the  same.  Occasionally  they  are  ex- 
pelled in  large  numbers  by  the  effort  of  nature  without  any 
medicine.     However,   much   good   has  been  accomplished 


50 


by  the  following  prescriptions : — Take  of  aloes  three 
drachms,  asafoetida  two  drachms,  rubbed  down  in 
warm  water.  When  cold  add  one  ounce  of  turpentine  and 
ether.  It  is  best  given  to  the  animal  fasting,  say  three 
times  a  week.  It  is  advisable  also  to  change  the  feed  to 
boiled  barley,  mashes,  carrots,  and  green  food,  if  they  are  in 
season.  Another  valuable  remedy  is  the  following  : — Take 
of  asafoetida  two  drachms,  calomel  and  savin  a  drachm 
and  a  half  each,  with  thirty  drops  of  oil  of  male-fern.  Let 
these  ingredients  be  mixed  with  treacle  and  linseed  for  a 
dose  at  night.  The  next  morning  give  a  purge.  In  ad- 
dition to  these  medicines  let  the  animal  have  plenty  of  salt 
in  his  feed. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE    LIVER,  HEPATITIS. 

Cause. — This  complaint  in  its  chronic  form  is  not  fre- 
quently seen  in  horses,  acute  hepatitis  is  one  of  the  rarest 
of  diseases  in  our  practice.  The  chronic  form  arises  from 
high  feeding  and  idleness.  I  scarcely  know  whether  over- 
work or  no  work,  without  exercise,  does  most  mischief  to 
an  animal.  Brewers  horses  fed  upon  the  refuse  of  the 
malt-house  may  look  in  fine  condition  for  some  time,  and 
yet  their  liver  be  in  such  a  diseased  state  as  to  produce  in- 
flammation of  this  gland.  The  unnatural  stimulation  re- 
sulting from  that  kind  of  food  is  certain  (if  persevered  in 
for  any  length  of  time)  to  end  in  chronic  hepatitis.  Horses 
kept  for  show  and  not  for  work  are  generally  highly  fed  and 
well  stalled ;  the  nourishing  food  without  exercise  makes 
great  demands  on  the  liver  for  the  secretion  of  bile,  and 
this  organ  continually  overworked  becomes  congested. 
This  engorgement  of  blood  produces  the  inflammation  which 
we  call  hepatitis.  Horses  in  the  Southern  States,  and  in 
all  tropical  climates  are  more  liable  to  this  disease  than 
those  of  northern  latitudes. 

Symptoms. — The  indications  of  this  disease  are  not 
generally  observed  until  permanent   damage  is  done.     The 


SI 

animal  is  dull  and  listless.  There  is  no  sprightliness  in  his 
eye  or  activity  in  his  movements.  The  appetite  is  very 
capricious  and  over-nice ;  there  is  constipation  of  the  bowels, 
coolness  of  the  extremities ;  the  dung  shows  that  the  food 
was  imperfectly  digested ;  the  urine  is  scanty  and  high 
colored,  and  the  pulse  has  a  heavy  beat.  Besides  these 
symptoms,  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nostrils  is  blanched ; 
occasionally  the  eyes  have  a  yellow  tinge,  and  the  right  side 
shows  tenderness  on  pressure,  but  these  signs  are  not  always 
present.  The  febrile  symptoms  are  not  very  prominent. 
The  temperature,  as  shewn  by  thermometer,  will  be  about 
loi  degrees. 

The  only  case  of  this  kind  that  came  under  my  notice  in 
this  city  was  a  splendid  bay  gelding,  about  seven  years  old, 
and  sixteen  hands  high,  the  property  of  a  prominent  editor 
of  various  periodicals.  I  regret  to  say  that  I  was  entirely 
ignorant  of  the  history  of  the  animal  previous  to  his  owner- 
ship by  this  gentleman  The  first  thing  noticeable  about 
him  was  the  nicety  and  daintiness  of  his  appetite,  although 
at  times  he  seemed  to  eat  a  full  share  of  feed.  Soon  after 
such  a  meal  he  would  have  attacks  of  spasmodic  colic,  roll- 
ing over  on  his  back  and  kicking  away  for  several  minutes ; 
these  were  only  the  accompaniments  of  the  disease,  besides 
others  yet  to  be  mentioned.  During  this  time  the  pulse 
would  rise  to  50  or  60  beats  per  minute,  and  the  tempera- 
ture to  loi  and  102  degrees.  There  was  obstinate  consti- 
pation of  the  bowels ;  the  faeces  (dung)  came  away  in  very 
small  quantities,  dry  and  hard,  and  generally  coated  with 
mucus,  shewing  defective  digestion  ;  the  urine  scanty  and 
high  colored ;  the  legs  were  always  somewhat  cold  and  the 
eye  prominent  and  mild  looking. 

The  pulse  was  not  feeble  and  wirey  as  in  inflammation  of 
the  bowels,  and  never  rose  above  (if  I  remember  right)  50 
to  60  degrees,  the  temperature  generally  registered  about 
101-102  degrees  ;  neither  was  the  respiration  very  much 
above  the  normal  standard ;  so  that  on  the  whole  the  febrile 


52 

symptoms  were  not  very  well  marked,  as  in  some  inflamma- 
tory disorders. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  performances  of  this  animal 
was  sitting  with  apparent  satisfaction  on  his  haunches  like  a 
dog  ;  this  he  would  do  when  taken  out  for  exercise,  if  urged 
to  trot,  or  work  of  any  kind.  This  case  came  too  late  to  be 
successfully  treated,  as  is  commonly  the  fact  in  such  obscure 
maladies.  The  post-mortem  revealed  impaction  of  the 
bowels,  with  solid  matter  that  no  medicine  could  possibly 
remove. 

This  obstruction  was,  no  doubt,  the  result  of  the  torpid 
and  diseased  state  of  the  liver,  which  hindered  the  digestive 
organs  from  performing  their  work.  An  examination  for 
soundness  in  this  instance  very  possibly  would  deceive  the 
most  experienced  veterinary  surgeon,  and  shows  the  neces- 
sity for  the  buyer  of  a  horse  always  to  have  the  animal  a 
few  days  in  his  custody  previous  to  paying  for  him. 

Treatment. — When  the  case  is  detected  in  time,  let  the 
animal  have  light  nutritious  food,  plenty  of  exercise,  or 
constant  light  work;  remove  him  from  heated  stables  to 
some  airy  place.  Plenty  of  bran  mash  or  green  food.  The 
following  medicine  may  also  be  given  with  advantage  : 
Take  of  iodide  of  potassium  two  ounces,  liquor  potassae 
one  quart,  mix  and  give  two  table  spoonsfull  night  and 
morning,  in  a  pint  of  water. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 


We  now  come  to  a  most  important  class  of  diseases,  affect- 
ing the  breathing  apparatus,  with  which  every  stock  raiser, 
farmer,  stable  keeper,  and  horsemen  in  general  should  be 
well  acquainted. 

The  organs  chiefly  subject  to  attack  are  the  nasal  cavities, 
the  larynx,  the  bronchial  tubes,  the  lungs,  and  the  pleura 
investing  the  lungs.  Each  and  every  one  of  these  parts  are  at 
times  the  subject  either  of  acute  or  chronic  inflammation.  The 
greater  number  of  the  organs  of  digestion,  as  well  as  the 
organs  of  respiration,  are  lined  by  a  delicate  tissue  called 
mucous  membrane.  It  is  this  membrane  that  is  affected  in 
nearly  all  of  the  diseases  above  mentioned.  This  is  a  fact 
worth  remembering  :  for  instance,  inflammation  of  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the  nostrils  is  called  "catarrh;"  of  the 
bronchial  tubes,  "bronchitis,"  and  so  on.  A  few  words  on 
inflammatory  action  produced  on  this  membrane  in  par- 
ticular will  not  be  here  out  of  place.  Wherever  this  tissue 
is  found  the  same  effects  are  produced  on  it  by  stimulation, 
irritation,  congestion,  or  inflammation. 

A  certain  portion  of  mucus  constantly  moistens  these 
surfaces  in  a  state  of  health,  but  during  disease  it  is  altered 
both  in  character  and  amount.  The  general  statement  is, 
that  when  a  mucous  membrane  is  inflamed  its  secretion  of 
mucus  is  at  first  arrested,  then  increased,  and  finally  per- 
verted in  character. 

A  right  understanding  of  these  facts  will  simplify  in  a 
great  measure  a  proper  answer  to  the  question  so  often  asked 
in  these  cases,  "What  is  the  matter  with  the  horse.?  "  or  a 


54 

correct  diagnosis;  it  will  lead  also  to  correct  treatment, 
and  lastly,  to  the  probable  result  of  these  diseases  or  their 
prognosis. 

Very  few  diseases  there  are  that  inflammation  does  not 
accompany ;  but  yet  there  are  some,  such  as  colic,  diarrhoea, 
hernia,  &c. 

CATARRH,  OR   COLD    IN    THE    HEAD. 

Cause. — This  disease  is  very  common  amongst  young 
horses  that  are  for  the  first  time  brought  from  the  fresh,  open 
country,  and  then  immured  in  hot,  filthy  stables  in  our  large 
cities.  The  hot  and  foul  atmosphere  of  the  close  stalls  in 
such  stables  seems  to  irritate  and  inflame  the  delicate  tissue 
which  lines  the  nostrils,  as  well  as  the  other  air  passages  of 
this  animal.  In  very  many  instances  catarrh  results  from 
long  exposure  to  rain  and  moisture,  while  in  other  cases  it 
is  produced  by  the  sudden  changes  of  temperature  which 
occur  during  the  spring  and  fall  of  the  year.  Exposure  to 
draughts,  or  stabling  in  damp  ground,  may  also  produce  this 
disease. 

Again,  this  disease  is  often  brought  on  by  putting  horses 
to  unusual  and  hard  work,  after  which  they  are  stabled  in 
hot,  badly  ventilated  stables.  These,  beside  other  causes, 
may  excite  and  produce  nasal  catarrh. 

Symptoms. — A  general  dullness  and  stupidity  comes 
over  the  animal;  the  facial  sinuses  are  clogged  (or  stuffed, 
as  it  is  called) ;  inflammation  in  its  first  stage  has  arrested 
the  secretion  that  is  usual  in  health.  There  is  also  loss  of 
appetite.  The  nasal  membranes  are  hot,  dry,  and  some- 
times tumefied.  There  may  be  also  symptomatic  fever,  with 
chills  or  rigors,  and  a  hard  pulse,  with  difficult  breathing. 
Next  comes  the  moist  stage,  when  there  is  a  discharge  from 
the  nostrils  of  a  thin  character,  generally  accompanied  by 
sneezing  and  weeping  from  the  eyes.  After  some  time  it 
changes  to  a  thick  creamy  fluid,  which  shows  that  pus  has 
formed  and  mixed  with  the  abnormal  secretion. 


55 

Should  the  disease  be  neglected  for  some  time  after  these 
symptoms  show  themselves  the  inflammation  may  extend 
down  to  the  larynx  and  bronchial  tubes ;  then  it  is  called 
nasal  laryngitis.  Or  it  may  produce  a  chronic  cough, 
together  with  roaring  or  whistling,  which  is  caused  by  alter- 
ation of  the  structure  of  the  larynx. 

Treatment. — Bleeding  is  not  to  be  thought  of.  Steam- 
ing the  nostrils  has  been  tried,  but  it  is  not  good ;  as  soon 
as  matter  begins  to  run  from  the  nostrils  the  animal  is  tem- 
porarily relieved.  Place  the  animal,  if  possible,  in  a  com- 
fortable, cool  stall ;  put  on  light,  warm  clothing ;  one  or  two 
mashes,  or  scalded  oats  will  not  be  out  of  place.  If  the  legs 
are  cold  bandage  them.  If  the  case  is  seen  in  the  first  stage, 
take  of  belladona  and  camphor  one  drachm  each;  give  it  in 
the  form  of  a  ball,  or  smear  it  on  the  tongue.  If  the  febrile 
movements  are  well  marked  take  of  spirits  of  ammonia  and 
ether  two  drachms  each ;  put  them  into  linseed  oil,  gruel,  or 
water  for  one  dose ;  eight  ounces  of  the  oil  is  sufficient.  Both 
the  ball  and  the  fluids  may  be  given  mornings  and  evenings. 
Should  it  not  be  convenient  to  procure  the  ammonia  or 
ether,  one  ounce  of  saltpetre  dissolved  in  a  pail  of  water 
will  do  very  well.  If  the  throat  is  sore  or  the  cough  trouble- 
some, then  apply  a  mustard  plaster. 

The  best  method  of  applying  mustard  is  to  make  it  pretty 
thick  with  warm  water,  and  rub  it  directly  around  the  throat 
without  putting  it  on  a  cloth  of  any  kind.  When  it  is  spread 
on  anything  it  is  very  difficult  to  retain  the  cloth  in  its  place. 

As  the  patient  improves  he  will  require  tonics  and  stimu- 
lants to  build  up  his  strength  by  improving  the  appetite. 
For  this  purpose  take  of  carbonate  of  ammonia  two  ounces, 
gentian  two  ounces;  make  these  four  ounces  up  into  eight 
balls;  roll  each  up  in  very  thin  paper,  and  give  one  night 
and  morning. 

Nasal  gleet  is  a  chronic  form  of  catarrh.  In  this  case 
the  discharge  may  be  from  one  or  both  nostrils,  but  it  is 
always    very    offensive.      The    stench    is    intolerable.      Pus 


56 

which  in  the  former  case  was  healthy  has  undergone  degene- 
ration and  become  ichorous,  This  state  of  things  is  often 
mistaken  for  glanders,  in  which  the  discharge  is  thin  and 
sticky,  and  generally  without  any  perceptible  smell.  In 
some  bad  cases  I  have  seen,  the  trephine  had  to  be  employed 
in  order  to  bore  into  the  facial  sinuses  and  cleanse  them  out. 
This  is  generally  done  with  a  wash  made  up  of  two  quarts  of 
warm  water  in  which  half  a  drachm  of  chloride  of  zinc  is 
dissolved.  Then,  with  a  large  syringe,  inject  this  fluid 
through  the  opening  made.  A  first-rate  wash  is  also  made 
of  one  ounce  of  carbolic  acid  to  one  quart  of  water.  If  the 
patient  is  properly  nourished  it  may  run  dry.  The  best 
medicine  in  this  case  is  the  following :  Take  of  sulphate  of 
copper,  nitre  and  gentian,  one  drachm  each,  made  into  a 
ball  with  linseed  meal ;  give  this  dose  night  and  morning. 

LARYNGITIS. 

Cause. — The  three  forms  of  this  disease  are  usually 
induced  by  any  or  all  of  the  following  causes,  such  as  sud- 
den changes  of  weather,  hot  stables,  coarse  and  dirty  pro- 
vender, rank  bedding,  and  irregular  work.  The  three  kinds 
are  the  sub-acute,  acute,  and  chronic.  When  that  part  of 
the  throat  called  the  larynx  is  the  only  part  affected  it  is  not 
very  dangerous,  but  when  complicated  with  influenza  or 
other  diseases  it  is  a  serious  business.  Through  the  larynx 
is  the  passage  to  the  windpipe  or  trachea,  and  it  is  the 
mucous  membrane  lining  that  organ  that  is  here  the  seat  of 
inflammation.  It  may  be,  as  in  some  seasons,  endemic  or 
epidemic ;  when  it  assumes  the  latter  form  the  cause  of  this 
lesion  is  purely  conjectural. 

Symptoms. — The  sub-acute  form  is  what  is  supposed 
to  be  a  mere  cold  and  sore  throat,  with  a  slight  cough,  loss 
of  appetite,  and  slight  febrile  symptoms ;  when  the  animal, 
by  rest  and  a  little  ordinary  attention,  regains  health  in  a 
few  days.  It  is  very  different,  however,  with  the  acute  form. 
Here  we  have  well  marked  symptoms :    labored  breathing, 


57 

each  inspiration  attended  with  pain ;  the  power  of  swallow- 
ing food  interrupted  or  lost  for  the  time ;  liquids  especially 
cannot  be  let  down  without  some  returning  through  the  nos- 
trils ;  the  face  is  dull  and  heavy  looking  ;  there  is  also  a  sort 
of  short  suppressed  cough,  more  like  a  grunt ;  the  head  is 
held  in  a  stiff  position,  and  the  nose  protruding — any  attempt 
to  handle  the  part  is  instantly  resisted  with  an  eye  that  says, 
"Hands  off;"  there  are  at  times  spasms  of  the  throat,  with 
danger  of  asphyxia,  in  which  case  tracheotomy  must  be  per- 
formed ;  the  throat  may  be  noticeably  swollen,  and  the  mem- 
brane of  the  nose  of  a  scarlet  hue;  together  with  the  labored 
inspiration,  the  pulse  rises  from  50  to  60  beats  per  minute, 
and  the  temperature  to  103-4.  As  we  said  in  a  former 
article,  the  mucus  secretion  of  the  membrane  is  first  arrested 
by  inflammation;  so  here  there  are  no  signs  of  improvement 
until  the  secretion  is  increased  and  flows  from  the  nostrils, 
when  the  animal  is  considerably  relieved  ;  the  cough  becomes 
freer  and  louder,  the  membrane  more  natural  in  color,  with 
other  symptoms  of  improvement  for  the  time  being. 

Trealment. — Early  and  proper  measures  are  to  be  taken 
in  this  case.  All  attempts  at  steaming  the  nostrils  are  use- 
less and  mischievous;  they  do  little  good — after  many  trials 
it  has  been  proved  only  to  irritate  and  distress  the  patient. 
Blood-letting  also  is  here  quite  out  of  place. 

Let  the  animal  be  removed  to  some  cool,  airy  place,  where 
he  has  the  greatest  liberty  to  do  as  he  pleases,  with  plenty 
of  bedding.  Bandage  the  legs  nicely,  so  as  to  equalize  the 
heat  of  the  body,  and  put  on  light,  warm  clothing.  There 
will  be  some  difficulty  in  giving  medicine  to  the  patient  in 
this  case,  for  the  simple  reason  that  any  motion  of  throat 
and  neck  causes  much  pain,  besides  the  difficulty  of  swallow- 
ing. The  best  thing  to  do  in  this  state  of  things  is  to  pre- 
pare an  electuary :  Take  of  extract  of  belladonna  half  an 
ounce,  extract  of  opium  half  an  ounce,  camphor  two  drachms, 
liquorice  two  drachms,  and  treacle  seven  ounces.  This  is 
generally  called  a  compound    cough  mixture.     When  this 


S8 

mixture  is  properly  made  up  take  a  spoonful!  at  a  time  and 
smear  it  on  the  animal's  tongue.  By  this  means  there  is  no 
forcing  or  disturbing  the  patient ;  he  will  swallow  as  much 
as  suits  him  at  a  time.  This  may  be  given  two  or  three 
times  a  day.  Besides  all  this,  much  good  will  be  done  by 
counter-irritation.  Apply  a  good  mustard  poultice  or  strong 
liniment  around  the  throat,  with  an  eight-tailed  bandage  or 
without  it — it  makes  no  matter  which,  I  never  use  one  my- 
self—but just  apply  a  thick  paste  of  mustard  directly  to  the 
skin.  Setons  have  been  tried  also,  but  this  plan  will  do, 
without  needlessly  annoying  the  animal. 

When  the  medicine  here  recommended  is  given  it  will 
have  the  effect  of  soothing  and  softening  the  cough,  besides 
other  effects. 

Let  there  be  some  warm  gruel  left  before  the  patient,  but 
don't  force  him  to  drink — he  will  take  a  little  at  a  time. 
After  this,  as  he  progresses,  some  green  food,  &c.  When 
the  throat  symptoms  are  relieved  tonics  and  stimulants 
twice 'a  day  must  be  given.     Take  of — 

Carbonate  of  ammonia.  [  Two  ounces  of  each  for 
Gentian.  \     eight  balls;  two  a  day. 

PHARYNGITIS. 

Cause. — The  larynx  and  pharynx  are  so  intimately  con- 
nected that  the  same  causes  often  produced  either  disease, 
except  when  mechanical  injury  or  external  violence  accounts 
for  injury  of  the  latter.  The  pharynx  is  the  posterior  part 
of  the  mouth,  through  the  funnel-shaped  cavity  of  which 
tood  passes  into  the  esophagus.  These  parts  are  occasion- 
ally hurt  by  the  attempts  to  relieve  animals  while  endangered 
by  choking,  especially  by  rough  and  inexperienced  persons. 

Symptoms. — These  vary  a  little  from  laryngitis.  In 
these  cases  there  is  little  or  no  tenderness  on  pressure,  but 
very  difficult  deglutition  ;  in  the  majority  of  instances  no 
tood  can  be  swallowed.  Besides,  there  is  scarcely  any  cough- 
ing, but  very  often  spasms  of  the  muscles  of  the  neck.    After 


59 

the  inflammation  has  continued  for  some  time  the  secretion 
from  the  lining  membrane  of  the  part  is  arrested  (this  is 
called  the  dry  stage) ;  then  comes  an  increase  of  secretion. 
As  the  inflammation  continues  there  is  a  superabundance  of 
perverted  mucus;  this  is  in  appearance  like  ropy  saliva 
hanging  from  the  mouth.  In  addition  to  these  symptoms 
the  head  and  neck  are  held  straight  out,  to  favor  respiration 
and  relieve  in  some  measure  the  distress  of  the  patient.  The 
febrile  symptoms  are  more  or  less  severe  in  proportion  to 
the  severity  of  the  local  inflammation  of  the  parts,  as  indi- 
cated by  the  pulse  and  temperature. 

Should  it  be  a  case  merely  of  stricture  of  the  esophagus, 
it  is  easily  distinguished  by  the  peculiar  and  repeated  cough 
which  is  caused  by  some  substance  lodging  in  any  part  of 
the  passage. 

Treatment. — Consists  principally  in  the  use  of  powerful 
counter-irritants  applied  to  that  part  of  the  throat.  Instead 
of  mustard  the  following  may  be  used  : 

Solution  of  ammonia.       ^i  .j.^^,^  ^^^^^^^  ^f  ^^^1, 

0''^<^°''-         .  r      (Shake  them  well.) 

Oil  of  turpentine.  ' 

Or,  if  mustard  is  employed,  a  few  drops  of  Croton  oil  may 
be  added  to  make  it  more  efficacious. 

One  ounce  of  saltpetre  in  the  animal's  drink  will  relieve 
(if  given  once  or  twice  a  day)  the  feverish  symptoms.  As 
to  food,  some  nice  gruel,  if  the  creature  is  not  forced  to  take 
it,  will  help  to  support  his  strength,  but  it  must  be  very  care- 
fully horned  down,  or  much  harm  may  ensue.  The  usual 
clothing  and  bandaging  must  also  be  attended  to. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Cause. — This  is  a  most  insidious  and  dangerous  disease 
of  the  horse.  Much  the  same  pernicious  influences  men- 
tioned in  connection  with  former  diseases  of  air  passages 
produce  bronchitis.  Besides  these,  during  the  spring  and 
fall  of  some  seasons,  this  disorder  seems  to  be  epidemic, 


6o 


from  the  number  of  animals  attacked.  I  have  known  many 
instances  of  horses  who  were  exposed  to  cold  winds  crossing 
ferries  and  other  modes  of  conveyance  contract  bronchitis 
soon  after  in  a  bad  form ;  also  from  standing  in  the  street 
after  a  sharp  drive  when  perspiring  freely.  The  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  air  tubes  which  terminate  in  the  lungs 
is  the  seat  of  the  disease. 

When  bronchitis  is  associated  with  influenza  it  increases 
the  gravity  of  the  case,  and  is  at  all  times  a  complication  to 
be  dreaded. 

Symptoms. — The  premonitory  symptoms  are  seldom 
noticed  or  heeded  until  the  disease  is  established.  The 
first  thing  complained  of  generally  is  a  bad  cough,  as  if 
coming  through  a  long  tube.  There  is  general  constitutional 
disturbance ;  the  respiration  labored ;  each  inspiration  fol- 
lowed by  several  coughs;  there  is  also  tenderness  about  the 
throat.  As  the  disease  progresses  the  appetite  is  lost,  the 
legs  get  cold,  and  the  patient  is  averse  to  move.  The  mouth 
is  hot  and  dry,  and  the  nasal  membrane  highly  injected. 

During  the  dry  stage  of  this  disorder  the  feverish  symp- 
toms are  well  marked.  The  temperature  of  the  animal  may 
rise  from  98°  to  105°,  the  pulse  also  increase  from  ;^6  or  40 
to  65  or  70. beats  per  minute,  and  the  breathing  from  20  to 
30.  In  the  next  stage  of  the  disease,  called  the  moist  stage, 
there  is  superabundance  of  secretion  from  the  surfaces  of  the 
tubes ;  and  in  the  case  of  very  young  or  old  animals  this 
cannot  be  expectorated,  and  there  is  danger  of  internal 
drowning.  Large  quantities  of  thickened  mucus  accumu- 
lates in  the  air  passages,  and  hence  the  air,  in  passing 
through,  makes  diff'erent  sounds,  according  to  the  state  of  the 
secretion,  as  to  whether  it  is  hard,  dry,  or  thick ;  in  each 
case  a  different  sound  is  heard  when  the  ear  is  applied  to 
the  part. 

During  the  disease  the  respiratory  murmur  is  weakened, 
but  there  is  no  dullness  on  percussion,  as  in  pneumonia,  but 
on  the  contrary,   resonance.     In    this    malady  weakness  is 


produced  by  the  imperfect  oxygenization  of  the  blood  from 
the  blocking  up  of  the  bronchial  tubes. 

Favorable  symptoms  are  shown  by  the  falling  of  the  pulse 
and  temperature  of  the  body,  the  breathing  getting  more  na- 
tural, the  cough  symptoms  relieved,  and  by  the  return  of 
the  appetite.  The  signs  of  danger  are  an  increased  and 
tremulous  pulse,  the  breathing  more  painful,  the  nasal  mem- 
brane of  a  bluish  hue,  and  bloody  froth  hanging  from  the 
mouth.  These,  with  paroxysms  while  the  animal  is  coughing, 
are  fatal  signs. 

Treatment. — The  remedial  measures  for  this  disorder 
are  indicated  by  the  symptoms.  As  there  is  great  weakness 
and  prostration,  no  blood-letting  is  admissible.  Steaming 
the  nostrils,  &:c.,  are  all  out  of  date.  Experience  has  proved 
they  do  more  harm  than  good ;  they  belong  to  the  time  when 
the  block-wheeled  cars  were  in  fashion. 

In  the  early  stage  of  this  disease,  before  there  is  increase 
of  mucus  (or  in  the  dry  state),  it  is  well  to  bring  down  the 
pulse  to  something  like  its  normal  state.  For  this  purpose 
60  to  80  drops  of  aconite  in  a  pint  of  water  is  the  best  thing ; 
this  may  be  given  every  second  hour.  This  is  a  medicine 
that  may  do  much  harm  if  given  in  the  next  stage  of  the 
disease,  so  considerable  experience  is  requisite  to  meddle 
with  it. 

To  soothe  and  relieve  the  cough,  take  of: 

Carbonate  of  ammonia,  j  Make  up  with  gentian 
Camphor.  r      liquorice  or  a    little 

Extract  of  belladona.      )      linseed  meal. 

(One  drachm  of  each  for  a  ball,  to  be  given  three  times  a 
day.) 

Roll  up  the  ball,  when  made,  in  tissue  or  some  thin  paper ; 
it  will  be  handier  to  give  in  this  form.  One  of  this  kind  of 
balls  is  to  be  given  three  times  a  day,  as  gently  as  possible. 

Have  the  sufferer  removed  to  a  loose,  airy  place ;  bandage 
the  legs;  put  on  light,  warm  clothing.  Give  one  ounce  of 
nitre  in  his  drink — it  will  help  him.     In  addition  to  what 

6 


62 


remedies  are  already  prescribed,  it  will  be  of  the  highest 
importance  to  apply  powerful  blisters  to  the  front  and  sides 
of  the  neck,  such  as  are  recommended  in  the  preceding 
article.  Thick  mustard  plasters  are  mostly  used  in  city 
practice,  applied  the  whole  way  from  the  jaw  to  the  sternum. 
When  the  bowels  are  constipated  give  no  drastic  medicine ; 
this  can  be  done  by  clysters  of  warm  soap-suds,  &c.  The 
patient  should  be  encouraged  to  take  some  kind  of  light, 
nourishing  food ;  a  little  warm  gruel  is  about  the  best  that 
can  be  given.  Even  after  recovery  has  progressed  for  some 
days,  food  in  small  quantities  only  is  to  be  given,  such  as 
scaled  oats,  green  food,  but  no  hay.  To  build  up  the 
animal's  strength  tonics  and  stimulants  are  now  required. 
For  this  purpose  take  of — 

Carbonate  of  ammonia.  }  r^.  r        i 

^      ,•  y  Iwo  ounces  of  each. 

Gentian.  ) 

Make  this  mass  up  into  eight  balls  ;  give  one  morning  and 
evening,  with  nourishing  food  and  gentle  exercise. 

PNEUMONIA,  OR    INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    LUNGS. 

Cause, — In  addition  to  the  many  pernicious  influences 
already  mentioned  that  excite  and  produce  inflammation  of 
the  air  passages  in  the  horse,  there  are  some  others  yet  to 
be  considered.  Foremost  among  these  is  one  for  which 
ignorance,  heedlessness,  or  influences  beyond  our  control 
cannot  be  pleaded,  and  that  is  the  fashionable  atrocity  of 
clipping  horses  in  the  winter  season.  Bronchitis  and  inflam- 
mation of  the  lungs,  ending  in  death,  are  in  thousands  of 
instances  the  penalty  of  this  beautiful  habit.  The  pockets 
of  some  of  our  fast  men  have  to  pay  very  handsomely  at 
times  to  indulge  this  fancied  improvement. 

Nature  and  science  (both  protestants  from  the  earliest 
ages)  cry  out  against  this  system  as  a  monstrous  innovation 
on  their  laws.  No  amount  of  blanketing  and  other  clumsy 
appliances   will   compensate    for   nature's    winter   garment. 


^3 

Inflammation  of  the  bowels  has  also  resulted  from  this  cause. 
Unlike  cattle,  the  muscles  and  skin  of  the  horse  together  are 
not  more  than  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  thick  over  the  abdo- 
men, whereas  in  the  bovine  race  they  are  four  or  five  inches. 
The  bowels  are  so  near  the  skin  that  intense  cold  affects 
them  very  readily.  We  have,  lastly,  examples  of  inflamma- 
tion of  the  laminae  (founder)  change  its  seat  and  attack  the 
lungs;  this  is  called  metastasis.  Influenza  and  pneumonia 
are  associated  together  in  some  complicated  form  in  many 
instances,  and  render  it  very  intractable  to  remedies.  Cold 
and  long  continued  over  exertion  are  also  common  causes 
of  pneumonia. 

Symptoms.  —  This  dangerous  disorder  is  generally 
ushered  in  by  shivering  fits  and  irregular  heat  of  the  skin. 
The  animal  is  "out  of  sorts;"  the  mouth  is  hot  and  dry,  the 
nasal  membrane  discolored,  and  the  extremities  cold.  The 
patient  stands  with  his  head  drooping  and  his  legs  apart,  to 
relieve  his  labored  breathing.  The  bowels  are  usually  cos- 
tive, the  coat  rough,  and  the  appearance  of  the  animal  is 
quite  dejected  and  stupid.  There  is  an  occasional  cough, 
but  not  of  the  severe  character  which  is  so  prominent  in 
bronchitis  and  other  diseases ;  it  is  fuller,  freer,  and  less 
painful.  The  pulse  is  full  and  oppressed,  and  increases  to 
from  70  to  80  beats  per  minute.  The  constitutional  dis- 
turbance increases  the  temperature  to  105°  or  106°  in  the 
congestive  stage ;  the  respiration  is  also  increased  and 
labored.  In  many  patients  only  one  is  affected,  and  that 
chiefly  the  right  lung,  but  both  of  the  organs  may  be  the 
subject  of  congestion  or  inflammation.  During  the  first 
attack  of  this  disease  there  is  an  abnormal  amount  of  blood 
carried  to  the  lungs,  and  a  greater  demand  for  the  oxygen 
of  the  air  to  purify  it ;  so  to  accommodate  this  state  of  affairs 
I  there  is  increase  of  respiration  and  labor.  The  capillary 
vessels  which  ramify  upon  the  air  cells  become  gorged  with 
red  blood. 

This  abnormal  amount  of  blood  forced  into  the  lungs 
leads  to  congestion  of  those  organs.     Should  the  patient  be 


64 

neglected  in  this  stage  of  the  disease  the  symptoms  become 
greatly  aggravated ;  the  serum  of  the  blood  exudes  through 
the  coats  of  the  blood  vessels,  and  permanent  injury  is  the 
result.  The  doctrine  of  exudation  may  be  briefly  stated 
thus  :  a  quantity  of  fluid  in  porous  vessels  being  forced  upon 
a  centre  whose  condition  allows  little  or  none  of  it  to  be 
transmitted,  an  effusion  must  result,  through  the  distended 
coats  of  the  vessels. 

When  the  lungs  of  an  animal  are  thus  subjected  to  inflam- 
matory action,  as  in  pneumonia,  this  exudation  of  the  serum 
of  the  blood  is  poured  into  the  air  cells,  and  there  solidifies, 
which  makes  the  hope  of  recovery  in  bad  cases  almost 
impossible.  When  the  patient  is  seen  and  treated  in  time, 
that  is,  while  there  is  only  congestion  of  the  lungs,  no  per- 
manent damage  has  been  done.  When  the  cells  are  filled 
with  this  exuded  material  the  lung  is  said  to  be  hepatized, 
or  a  liver-like  tissue.  The  healthy  lungs  float  on  water ;  in 
the  latter  state  they  sink. 

Besides  these  symptoms  there  are  others.  If  we  apply 
the  ear  behind  the  shoulder,  instead  of  the  natural  respira- 
tory murmur  of  healthy  lungs,  we  shall  hear  a  fine  crackling 
crepitation,  succeeded  by  a  coarse,  mucus  rale,  as  the  dis- 
ease progresses.  When  we  tap  the  spaces  between  the  ribs 
there  comes  back  a  dull,  dead  sound,  which  shows  that  the 
air  cells  are  filled  with  the  exudation.  Dullness  on  percus- 
sion is  the  evidence  of  the  solidifying  of  the  cellular  tissue 
of  the  lungs  from  the  effects  of  the  inflammation. 

In  some  rare  examples  the  inflammation  leaves  the  lungs 
and  attacks  the  laminae  of  the  foot,  producing  founder  or 
laminitis. 

Treatment. — The  subject  of  treatment  in  this  disorder 
is  highly  important.  Improper  remedies  will  do  immense 
mischief,  and  in  teaching  others  what  plan  to  follow  a  man 
must  know  what  he  is  talking  about.  In  the  late  epizootic 
we  had  in  some  patients  pneumonia  associated  with  in- 
fluenza, and  many  died  from  the  effects  of  proper  remedies 


65 

given  at  improper  times,  or  in  the  wrong  stage  of  the  disease ; 
or,  to  say  the  least,  the  chances  of  their  recovery  were  sadly 
interfered  with.  We  have  said  already  that  there  are  two 
stages  of  disease  (or  pathological  conditions)  in  pneumonia, 
namely,  the  congestive,  in  which  the  serum  of  the  blood  has 
not  transuded  into  the  lung-tissue  proper;  and  the  state  of 
exudation,  in  which  it  has  infiltrated  and  solidified  in  the 
air  cells.  The  indications  for  remedies  in  both  these  cases 
are  quite  different.  How  long  does  it  take  for  congestion  to 
pass  into  transudation.?  This  is  a  vital  point,  and  not  easy 
to  answer.  It  depends  a  good  deal  on  the  state  of  the  blood 
and  the  degree  of  the  inflammation.  The  time  occupied  in 
this  mischief  may  extend  from  a  few  hours  to  a  couple  of 
days.  As  a  general  rule,  veterinary  surgeons  do  not  see 
their  patients  in  this  first  stage,  through  the  carelessness  or 
indifference  of  owners  of  horses  ;  they  will  allow  their  grooms 
or  coachmen  to  diagnose  and  tinker  with  the  disease  sooner 
than  lose  a  few  dollars  for  their  services.  Thus  the  most 
hopeful  state  of  the  patient  is  allowed  to  pass,  and  perhaps 
the  case  aggravated  by  improper  nostrums  administered  by 
the  stableman,  or  somebody  else  not  much  his  superior  in 
knowledge  of  the  business.  That  great  man,  the  veterinary 
surgeon,  is  supposed  to  be  able  to  work  miracles  in  these 
cases,  and  if  he  does  not  he  is  good  for  nothing  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  denizens  of  the  stable.  There  are,  however, 
,5ome  odd  cases  in  which  we  meet  a  patient  in  this  first  stage, 
and  it  is  well  to  know  how  to  treat  it  successfully.  This 
may  be  done  by  powerful  sedatives,  such  as  aconite,  or,  more 
powerful  still,  namely,  blood-letting.  This  latter  is  indi- 
cated— 

fWhen  the  animal   is   young   and  in    good 

^  ,•       I       condition. 

Congestive  !  ...,        ^i      j-  •     •     . 

°  -^  When  the  disease  is  just  commencing. 

°  I  When  the  fever  runs  very  high. 

(^  When  the  pulse  is  strong,  firm  or  oppressed. 

Do  not  hesitate  to  take  three  or  four  quarts  of  blood  from 
the  patient  under  these  circumstances,  no  matter  what  the 


66 


priest  or  the  midwife  may  say  to  the  contrary.  By  abstrac- 
tion of  so  much  blood  as  brings  down  the  pulse  we  lessen 
for  some  time — 

The  fullness  of  the  vessels, 
The  number  of  red  corpuscles, 
The  force  of  the  heart's  impulse, 
"  arterial  impulse, 

The  excitement  of  the  nerve  centres. 
Equalize  the  circulation. 

And  by  each  and  all  of  these  influences  we  diminish  the 
vascular  excitement  connected  with  the  inflammation,  and 
thus  lessen  the  amount  of  resultant  exudation,  and  make  its 
changes  less  destructive. 

Other  practitioners  of  the  new  school  try  to  produce  the 
same  effects  by  powerful  sedatives,  and  with  success  in  many 
cases.  For  this  purpose  60  to  80  drops  of  aconite,  in  water, 
or  sulphuric  ether,  every  two  hours,  until  there  is  depression 
of  the  circulation  indicated  by  the  pulse ;  at  the  same  time 
giving  one  ounce  of  nitre  in  a  pint  of  water. 

The  symptoms  that  do  not  warrant  either  of  these  depres- 
sive measures  are — 

When  the  patient  is  shivering  and  the 
skin  cold. 
^  r  When  the  symptoms  of  disease  continue 

btage  ot        ,       ^^^  several  days. 
Transudation     ^^.^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^  f^^^l^_ 

When  signs  of  debility  are  observable. 
^When  exudation  has  taken  place. 

These  are  contra  indications  that  no  depletive  measures 
can  be  pursued  with  safety,  and  they  are  such  as  most  people 
of  ordinary  intelligence  can  know  for  themselves,  and  of 
course  avoid. 

The  diagnosis,  symptoms,  and  treatment  of  pneumonia  in 
its  first  stage  we  have  tried  to  show  as  briefly  and  clearly  as 
the  plan  of  this  little  work  would  permit.  We  have  not  said 
all,  but  enough  for  correct  and  safe  management  of  animals 
in  this  disease. 


67 

Exudation  of  the  liquid  portion  of  the  blood  into  the  cells 
of  the  lung-tissue  (we  again  repeat)  is  the  second  and  dan- 
gerous part  of  this  disease,  and  requires  very  different  reme- 
dies. This  state  of  things  is  known  by  a  dull  sound  respond- 
ing to  tapping  or  percussing  with  the  ends  of  our  finger  over 
the  lungs.  A  cavity  filled  with  air,  and  one  full  of  solid 
matter  (as  in  the  unhealthy  animal  in  the  former  case)  elicits 
very  different  responsive  sounds.  The  coarse  crepitant  or 
mucus  rales  heard  by  the  ear  when  applied  to  the  side  is 
also  another  proof  of  transudation.  This  fluid  may  be  either 
mucus,  pus,  bloody  or  serous  eff'usion.  What  becomes  of 
this  fluid  after  it  is  outpoured  ?  The  answer  to  this  question 
decides  the  fate  of  the  patient,  whether  it  shall  recover  or 
die.  First,  it  may,  as  in  the  case  of  inflammation  of  the 
liver  and  lungs,  suppurate,  and  pus  form ;  or  the  lymph 
exuded  may  degenerate  into  exudation  granules,  and  be 
finally  absorbed.  Now,  the  medicines  to  be  given  are  such 
as  will  assist  nature  in  getting  rid  of  this  exudation  by  ab- 
sorption, and  the  best  for  this  purpose  are  tonics  and  stimu- 
lants throughout.     Take  of — 

Diffusible     (  Spirits  of  ammonia     -     One  ounce, 
stimulant     •<  Sulphuric  ether  -     Two  ounces, 

for  one  dose  (  Linseed  oil         -         -     Six  ounces. 

If  the  bowels  are  not  constipated  omit  the  oil  and  give 
water.  This  dose  may  be  given  two  or  three  times  a  day 
for  the  first  two  days.     Afterwards  take  of — 

Carbonate  of  ammonia  )  ^^  r        ^ 

^      , .  -  1  wo  ounces  of  each. 

Gentian      -         -         -  \ 

Make  into  eight  balls ;  give  twice  a  day. 

In  addition  to  all  that  has  been  said,  great  attention  to 
feeding  (light,  digestible  food),  in  small  quantities  at  a  time, 
is  of  the  highest  importance.  Bandage  the  legs,  clothe  the 
body,  and  remove  the  patient  into  an  airy,  comfortable  box- 
stall,  with  plenty  of  bedding.  Many  relapses  have  taken 
place  from  over-feeding. 


68 


Blistering  the  sides  with  mustard  or  other  counter-irritants 
is  often  tried  in  severe  cases,  but  its  good  effects  are  very 
doubtful.  However,  it  is  an  open  question,  and  may  be  left 
to  ihe  judgment  of  the  individual  practitioners. 


PLEURITIS,  OR    PLEURISY. 

Causes. — The  causes  are  very  much  the  same  as  produce 
pneumonia,  and  it  is  needless  to  repeat  them. 

Symptoms. — Inflammation  of  the  serous  membrane 
lining  the  chest  and  protecting  the  lungs  is  sometimes  found 
as  an  independent  disease,  and  also  in  connection  with  bad 
cases  of  pneumonia.  The  principal  symptoms  are  shivering, 
with  hot  mouth  and  other  signs  of  fever;  disinclination  to 
turn  round  or  move;  a  rapid,  firm,  corded  pulse;  an  occa- 
sional short,  painful  cough  ;  hurried,  shallow,  careful  breath- 
ing, sometimes  followed  by  a  sigh  or  grunt.  In  a  state  of 
health  this  membrane  has  a  soft,  oily  touch ;  it  is  thin,  fine, 
and  transparent  as  a  silk  pocket  handkerchief,  and  during 
respiration  has  a  slight  motion.  But  when  inflamed  every 
act  of  breathing  causes  intense  pain.  To  avoid  this  pain, 
caused  by  the  movements  of  the  ribs,  the  abdominal  muscles 
are  called  in  to  aid  in  respiration — there  is  tucking  up  of 
the  belly  and  lifting  of  the  flanks. 

Pressure  on  the  spaces  between  the  ribs  causes  pain,  and 
when  the  ear  is  applied  to  the  chest  it  discovers  a  rough, 
rasping  noise. 

During  the  early  part  of  the  disease  the  horse  frequently 
looks  round  to  his  side,  paws  with  his  feet,  and  breathes  in 
a  jerking  manner.  After  some  time — from  one  to  three  days 
— the  patient  seems  easier,  the  pain  is  gone,  and  the  animal 
looks  more  cheerful. 

Exudation  is  now  proceeding ;  the  fluid  portion  of  the 
blood  passes  into  the  chest  to  the  amount  of  from  six  to  ten 
gallons;  this  state  is  called  hydrothorax.  After  this  the 
breathing  becomes  worse,  with    flapping  of  the  nostrils,  lift- 


69 

ing  the  sides,  a  small,  irregular  pulse,  and  swelling  of  the 
legs.  When  the  water-line  is  not  higher  than  one  third  of 
the  chest  the  patient  may  recover.  In  some  few  cases  there 
are  adhesions  of  the  pleura  from  the  effects  of  fibrinous  lymph. 

Treatment. — Very  much  the  same  style  of  treatment  is 
required  in  pleurisy,  that  has  been  recommended  in  the  pre- 
ceding article  for  pneumonia. 

If  the  patient  is  seen  in  time,  before  effusion  has  taken 
place,  blood  to  the  amount  of  five  or  six  quarts  may  be 
taken.  The  warnings  for  non-depletive  measures  are  so 
clearly  expressed  in  my  treatment  of  pneumonia,  it  would 
be  idle  to  repeat  them.  It  is  there  commended,  with  many 
cautions  and  reservations.  If  the  bowels  are  costive  give 
laxative  medicine — four  drachms  of  aloes  in  solution;  give 
the  patient  also  one  ounce  of  nitre  in  his  water  for  a  few 
days.  In  addition  to  these  remedies,  counter-irritants,  such 
as  ammonia  or  mustard,  must  be  applied  to  the  sides  of 
patient  over  the  lungs. 

I  recommend  also  tonics  and  stimulants  to  be  given,  as  in 
pneumonia — gentian  and  carbonate  of  ammonia. 

Besides  this  a  diuretic  ball,  for  this  purpose,  take  of — 
r  Saltpetre         -     One  ounce. 
Twice  a  day  <  Resin     -         -  " 

(.Soap       - 

In  some  very  bad  cases  the  liquid  has  to  be  removed  by 
making  an  opening  into  the  chest  with  the  trocar  and  canula 
between  the  seventh  and  eighth  ribs  ;  but  it  is  better  to  avoid 
this  if  possible,  and  trust  to  the  treatment  here  laid  down. 

CHRONIC   COUGH. 

Cause. — This  is  generally  an  "  old  follower  of  the  family 
diseases,"  such  as  catarrh  and  bronchitis,  and  not  so  easy  to 
shake  off.  When  badly  treated  or  neglected  these  disorders 
generally  end  in  chronic  cough.  It  consists  in  an  irritable 
state  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  air  passages.  It  is 
easily  excited  by  exercise,  changes  of  temperature,  and  other 
trivial  causes.  • 


70 

Treatment, — vSeveral  applications  have  been  tried  with 
good  results.     The  following  is  about  the  best  : 

External  j  Croton  oil         -     15  to  20  drops, 
use       (  Glycerine  -     i  ounce. 

Let  this  be  rubbed  immediately  on  the  throat  around  the 
larynx  every  ten  days.  Another  plan  has  been  tried  with 
good  results — the  application  of  a  red-hot  iron,  sometimes 
the  head  of  a  hammer,  held  there  for  a  few  seconds  until 
the  part  is  blistered  ;  it  may  be  repeated  twice  in  a  month. 
The  former  is  the  safer  method  in  unprofessional  hands.  In 
these  cases  cough  mixtures  do  very  little  good ;  they  only 
relieve,  but  don't  cure. 

ROARING. 

Cause. — Atrophy  of  the  muscles  of  the  larynx,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  the  cartileges  fall  inward  at  every  inspira- 
tion. The  calibre  of  the  passage  being  thus  diminished  and 
obstructed,  the  air  in  passing  along  produces  a  peculiar 
roaring,  grating  sound,  and  in  some  horses  a  sort  of  flap. 
Roaring,  highblowing  and  whistling  results  from  these  causes 
— they  supervene  from  strangles,  tumors,  and.  tight  reining, 
which  last  was  a  very  common  aristocratic  fashion  in  Europe 
a  few  years  ago.  The  bearing-rein  accomplished  this 
purpose. 

Some  rare  instances  of  confirmed  roaring  have  resulted 
from  continued  terror  and  fright. 

Each  of  these  defects  constitute  unsoundness,  because  they 
interfere  with  a  horse's  present  usefulness. 

No  treatment  recommended. 

THICK   WIND. 

Consists  in  a  thickened,  corrugated  condition  of  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  ultimate  and  remoter  bronchii, 
and  usually  results  from  repeated  or  serious  attacks  of 
bronchitis. 

The  breathing  is  accelerated,  the  number  of  respirations 
and  inspirations  are  equally  increased,  and  are  accompanied 


71 

by  a  loud  wheezing  noise,  which  is  particularly  observable 
during  exertion.  Any  sudden  movement,  a  sharp  trot,  or 
even  an  unexpected  blow  upon  the  ribs,  produces  a  short, 
dry,  loud  cough.  Thick  wind  may  be  palliated,  and  occa- 
sionally cured,  by  sedatives.     For  this  purpose  take — 

Nitre    -         -         -^ 

Opium  -         -  V-  One  drachm  each. 

Camphor      -         - ) 

This  dose  may  be  given  once  or  twice  a  day  before  the 
animal  is  fed,  and  continue  for  two  or  three  days. 

Another  excellent  preparation  for  the  same  purpose  is  the 
following : 

(  Nitre       -         -         -  |  One  drachm 

For  one  ball        -j  Extract  of  belladona  )         each. 

(  Arsenic   -         -         .     Eight  grains. 

This  may  be  given  for  seven  or  eight  days.  The  com- 
plaint may  also  be  greatly  mitigated  by  using  easy  digestible 
nutritive  food  of  small  bulk,  supplying  one  or  two  pounds 
daily  of  linseed  cake.  Beside  these,  feed  regularly  and  often. 
Limit  as  much  as  possible  the  quantity  of  water — small 
drinks,  but  often,  if  required.  And  lastly,  always  allow  an 
hour  to  elapse  between  feeding  and  work. 

BROKEN  WIND,  HEAVES,  PULMONARY  EMPHYSEMA,  &c. 

These  names  stand  for  a  structural  disease  which  is  seen 
by  one  inspiratory  followed  by  two  expiratory  acts  while 
breathing.  There  is  also  a  hollow,  muffled  cough,  which  is 
easily  detected  by  pressure  on  the  larynx ;  the  nostrils  are 
unnaturally  dilated,  and  the  flanks  constantly  agitated;  the 
ribs  and  abdominal  muscles  are  called  into  action  to  assist 
in  the  double  expiration.  This  disease  results  from  rupture 
of  the  cells  or  lobes  of  the  lungs,  and  is  generally  produced 
by  feeding  on  coarse  unnutritious  food  in  large  quantities. 
When  the  animal  is  put  to  work  in  this  state  the  pressure 
against  the  lungs  ruptures  those  parts.  It  is  sometimes 
hereditary. 

No  cure  recommended. 


72 

CONGESTION    OF    THE    LUNGS. 

Cause. — This  lesion,  although  the  precursor  of  pneumo- 
nia, also  exists  in  a  separate  form  in  some  patients.  This 
modification  of  the  disease  depends  very  much  on  the 
exciting  and  producing  cause ;  for  example,  young  horses 
in  high  condition,  that  are  allowed  no  work  for  weeks,  at 
the  whim  or  caprice  of  the  owner  are  taken  out  and  suddenly 
put  to  the  top  of  their  speed  without  any  preliminary  exer- 
cise. This  applies  more  especially  to  trotters,  hunters,  and 
race-horses. 

Animals  in  poor  condition,  also  that  are  put  to  severe  and 
unusual  work,  each  of  these  blunders  may  give  rise  to  con- 
gestion. Sudden  exposure  to  severe  cold  is  also  a  promi- 
nent reason  for  this  lesion.  In  this  state  of  affairs  the  heart 
and  lungs  are  overcharged  with  blood,  and  although  no 
exudation  has  taken  place,  yet  the  lungs  are  filled  with  dark 
blood  and  frothy  mucus. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  blows  at  a  great  rate  ;  his 
nostrils  expanded,  the  eyes  appear  as  if  going  to  jump  out 
of  their  sockets,  the  elbows  are  turned  out,  and  the  flanks 
heaving ;  the  animal  is  in  great  distress,  while  the  whole  body 
is  bathed  in  perspiration.  Sometimes  all  these  symptoms 
appear  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  write  it  down,  and  con- 
sequently prompt  treatment  is  required. 

Treatment. — The  causes  inducing  or  exciting  any  lesion 
must  always  be  remembered,  and  considerably  modify  the 
remedies  in  many  instances.  In  this  case  a  very  simple 
remedy  of  the  right  kind  will  set  the  patient  all  right  in  a 
few  minutes,  while  one  of  the  wrong  sort  will  do  untold 
mischief.  We  have  seen  that  the  heart  and  lungs  were  sud- 
denly over-taxed,  therefore  the  need  of  immediate  help. 
Almost  any  stimulant  will  do,  as  whiskey,  brandy  or  ale,  or 
three  drachms  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  or  sulphuric  ether  in 
a  little  water.  Let  the  animal  also  be  well  rubbed  over, 
especially  the  legs,  and  his  head  turned  to  the  wind. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BLOOD 


SYSTEIM    I]N^    aE]SrEIl_^L 


STRANGLES. 

Cause. — This  eruptive  disease  of  the  horse  resembles 
very  much  murrain  in  cattle,  and  is  analogous  to  measles 
and  scarlatina  in  children.  They  all  belong  to  the  Exanthe- 
matous  class  (as  erythema,  urticaria,  and  reseola  in  man). 

The  seat  of  these  disorders  is  not  the  skin,  neither  is  the 
inflammatory  tumor  in  the  submaxillary  region  of  the  horse 
the  seat  of  strangles. 

The  causes  in  operation  to  produce  strangles  are  not  pre- 
cisely known  ;  some  veterinarians  are  of  opinion  that  during 
colthood  some  poison  is  gradually  engendered  in  the  system, 
which  deranges  the  vital  powers,  which,  when  the  animal 
matures,  nature  takes  this  method  of  expelling  it  from  the 
system.  But  no  matter  how  this  poison  enters  the  system; 
they  are  all  agreed  that  the  blood  is  the  seat  of  this  disease. 
It  is  very  probable  that  the  horse  in  his  wild  state  is  no 
more  troubled  with  strangles  than  the  Indian  on  the  plains 
are  with  many  of  the  ills  of  civilization.  It  is  very  frequently 
the  case  that  the  poor  man's  colt  matures  without  any  traces 
of  strangles,  while  well  kept  and  pampered  animals  have  it 
in  a  severe  form. 

In  the  case  of  strangles  the  constitutional  disturbance,  or 
fever,  is  the  cause  of  the  tumor  with  the  other  symptoms, 
and  not  the  tumor  the  cause  of  the  feverish  excitement  or 
disturbances. 

7 


74 

Symptoms. — As  a  general  rule  this  disorder  comes  on 
slowly;  there  is  general  indisposition,  the  animal  is  out  of 
condition.  In  a  few  days  there  is  stiffness  about  the  neck ; 
it  is  suspected  the  animal  is  "breeding  strangles;"  there 
may  be  a  sore  throat  and  a  cough.  As  the  fever  heightens 
there  is  a  discharge  of  a  thick  yellow  muco-purulent  matter 
from  the  nostrils,  and  some  difficulty  in  breathing.  By  this 
time  the  appetite  is  lost.  The  pulse  increases  to  50  or  60 
beats  per  minute.  The  respiration  and  temperature  are  also 
increased. 

Soon  there  is  noticed  an  enlargement  under  the  jaw,  which 
may  extend  to  the  parotid  glands ;  it  is  very  hard,  hot,  and 
tender.  When  these  parts  are  examined  there  is  usually 
found  a  hard,  inflammatory  tumor  in  the  sub-cutaneous 
cellular  tissue  between  the  branches  of  the  lower  jaw. 

When  this  is  the  history  of  the  case  it  is  progressing  very 
favorably.  If  in  eight  or  ten  days  the  tumor  softens  and  its 
contents  escape,  the  crisis  of  the  disorder  and  the  danger  is 
past.  But  should  the  disease  take  an  irregular  form,  as  often 
it  does,  and  the  tumor  not  form,  or  go  back  and  reappear 
somewhere  else,  or  if  it  does  not  suppurate  properly,  or 
should  it  form  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh,  under  the  shoulder 
blade,  or,  worst  of  all,  form  on  some  of  the  internal  organs, 
these  are  complications  to  be  dreaded,  as  some  fatal  result 
may  follow.  This  state  of  things  may  be  suspected  when 
the  time  has  past  for  the  formation  of  the  tumor  in  the 
ordinary  place.  Then  there  is  wasting  and  prostration  of 
strength,  with  derangement  either  of  the  digestive  or  respi- 
ratory organs. 

Treatment. — The  indications  for  treatment  in  these 
diseases  is  to  use  such  means  as  shall  conduct  them  to  a 
safe  termination.  Any  measures  that  arrest  or  put  back  the 
course  of  the  disorder  is  to  be  avoided,  therefore  no  blood- 
letting, or  physic,  or  such  medicines  as  aconite,  opium,  &c., 
are  to  be  used.  The  great  object  to  be  gained  is  the  healthy 
maturing  of  the  tumor  in  its  right  place.     Good  nursing  is 


75 

better  than  medicine  in  this  disorder.  In  ordinary  cases 
the  tumor  will  mature  without  any  application  or  inter- 
ference ;  if  it  does  so  much  the  better. 

Blistering  will  do  good  when  the  tumor  is  unusually  long 
in  coming  forward.  In  ordinary  cases  the  abscess  will  burst 
of  itself.  The  time  for  using  the  knife  is  indicated  when 
the  tumor  becomes  pointed,  and  fluctuations  are  felt  when 
touched  by  the  finger. 

Great  attention  from  the  first  is  required  in  nourishing 
the  patient ;  every  inducement  to  eat  should  be  tried,  such 
as  apples  and  carrots,  crushed  and  scalded  oats,  or  anything 
the  patient  will  eat.  In  some  very  bad  cases,  where  the 
animal  is  in  danger  of  suffocation  before  the  bursting  of  the 
tumor,  we  have  to  perform  tracheotomy  to  save  the  animal 
from  asphyxia.  When  recovery  is  progressing,  tonics  and 
stimulants  should  be  given  to  build  up  the  constitution ; 
those  already  recommended  will  suit  very  well,  such  as 
ammonia,  gentian,  6zc. 


THE    LATE    EPIZOOTIC. 

INFLUENZA,  CATARRHAL  FEVER,  DISTEMPER,  PINK 
EYE,  &c. 

This  disease,  which  raged  with  such  violence  over  the 
United  States  and  other  countries,  first  made  its  appearance 
here  about  the  20th  of  October,  1872,  gradually  extending 
north  and  west  to  Canada,  California,  and  even  to  India, 
taking  in  its  sweep  both  hemispheres.  Neither  age  nor  con- 
dition seemed  to  interfere  with  its  operations.  Horses — old, 
young,  clean  or  dirty,  the  pampered  trotter  and  the  neglected 
truck  horse,  all  fared  alike  at  the  attack  of  this  leveller, 
which  we  call  influenza  in  its  epizootic  form. 

Of  the  influences  or  morbid  causes  originating  this  dis- 
order, the  wisest  thing  to  say  is,  that  we  know  very  little. 
They  have  been  termed  atmospheric,  electrical,  and  so  forth, 


76 

It  belongs  to  the  same  class  as  pleuro-pneumonia  and  mur- 
rain in  cattle ;  while  its  attacks  are  chiefly  confined  to  the 
late  spring  and  autumn  months  of  the  year. 

This  epizootic  was  emphatically  called  the  "  new  disease  " 
by  all  sorts  of  people ;  the  newspaper  men  were  everywhere, 
the  doctors  nowhere.  A^ccording  to  these  ubiquitous  and 
tenacious  gentlemen  it  was  an  unheard-of  disease,  and  the 
veterinarians  were  completely  at  sea  as  to  diagnosis  and 
treatment.  Of  course  it  should,  like  all  new  things,  have  a 
bran  new  name,  and  accordingly  a  score  of  names  were 
invented,  each  the  length  of  a  horse's  tail,  as  each  phase  of 
the  disease  presented  itself.  Needless  alarm,  and  absurd 
treatment  by  unprofessional  persons  was  the  result  of  these 
false  statements. 

It  would  be  very  interesting  (if  space  permitted)  to  trace 
the  history  and  visitations  of  this  disease  in  Europe  since 
the  year  1848.  During  these  24  years  no  less  than  eight 
calamities  of  this  kind  afflicted  the  equine  race  in  its 
epizootic  form.  So  far  from  this  being  a  new  disease,  the 
profession  are  acquainted  with  it  since  1848  ;  and  it  is  highly 
probable  it  will  be  a  new  disease  before  a  few  seasons  roll 
round  again. 

The  enzootic  form  of  this  complaint  is  present  with  us 
every  spring  and  fall,  and  is  (in  stable  language)  called 
"  pink-eye,"  "  distemper,"  &c.  The  authorities  in  the  stable 
also  call  strangles  "distemper;"  so  it  is  hard  sometimes  to 
understand  their  names. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  belongs  to  that  class  known 
as  zymootic,  or  blood-poisoners,  from  a  Greek  word  which 
signifies  to  leaven  (as  from  yeast,  to  ferment) ;  hence  the 
blood  is  the  seat  of  the  disease.  This  is  soon  manifested  by 
a  low,  debilitating  fever,  of  the  typhoid  form,  and  always 
tending  to  complications  of  various  organs  of  the  body. 

The  earliest  and  most  .prominent  symptom  is  weakness; 
the  muscular  debility  is  out  of  all  proportion  to  the  indica- 
tions of  the  pulse  or  temperature,  and  is  chiefly  shown  by 


77 

hanging  of  the  head  and  a  very  staggering  gait.  Chills  and 
shivering,  loss  of  appetite,  a  dry  staring  coat,  with  watery 
discharge  from  the  eyes,  are  also  among  the  first  signs  of 
this  disease.  The  pulse  is  feeble,  rising  from  50  to  60  beats 
per  minute,  the  respiration  slightly  increased,  and  a  short, 
dry  cough.  The  mucous  membrane  is  injected,  and  after  a 
few  days  a  discharge  of  a  thick,  creamy  character  hangs  from 
the  nostrils.  This  is  generally  called  the  catarrhal  form  of 
influenza.  As  this  state  of  the  disease  progresses  the  pulse 
rises  from  60  to  80;  temperature  from  104  to  105;  respira- 
tion proportionately  accellerated.  The  head  is  held  down, 
the  legs  extended,  and  the  patient  is  afraid  to  lie  down. 

The  bowels  and  kidneys  also  suffer;  the  excretions  are 
scanty,  showing  torpidity  of-  those  organs.  This  is  a  most 
complex  disorder,  and  always  involves  some  particular  part 
or  organ.  During  the  late  epizootic  the  complications  in 
individual  cases  were  : 

Influenza  complicating — 

Laryngitis. 
Bronchitis. 
Pneumonia. 
Pericarditis. 

Each  and  all  of  the  patients  with  complications  of  these 
characters  had  to  be  treated  according  to  their  several 
indications. 

In  very  many  cases  the  great  debility  and  weakened  cir- 
culation gave  rise  to  passive  congestions,  with  dropsical 
tendencies  in  various  parts  of  the  body.  Thousands  of 
animals  that  rallied  and  recovered  from  the  violence  of  the 
disease,  afterwards  suffered  from  abscesses,  rheumatism,  and 
permanent  enlargement  of  the  joints  and  legs. 

If  we  should  suppose  that  altogether  10,000  horses  died 
from  the  immediate  and  remote  effects  of  this  disease,  we 
may  safely  tabulate  them  in  this  fashion : 

Died  within  the  first  month  after  the  invasion  of  the 
disease,  7,500. 


7.500 


78 

f  From  the  violence  of  the  disease. 
I       "      neglect. 

"      improper    use    of    aconite,    belladonna,    and 
purgatives. 

"      having  worked  before  recovery  was  established. 

Died,  within  from  two  to  twelve  months  from  the  annexed 
causes  in  the  order  of  time — 

'^Hydrothorax.      ^ 

(Edema.  \  t   a  i    -i 

J.  1  Influenza,  succeeded 


2,500    < 


Purpura.  /      , 

Farcy.  '         ^ 

Glanders. 


It  may  be  observed  that  in  such  complexity  of  disease 
there  must  be  diversity  of  symptoms  ;  but  the  one  symptom 
that  predominates  over  all  the  "rest  is  the  fact  that  there  is 
great  muscular  debility  from  the  very  beginning.  This  is 
shown  by  the  staggery  gait  which  is  characteristic  of  this 
disorder.  Some  bad  cases  of  this  kind  have  been  mistaken 
for  spinal  meningitis,  where  we  have  paralysis  of  the  extrem- 
ities, but  any  close  observer  of  horses  will  be  able  to  detect 
the  difference.  The  facts  of.  thermometry  are  of  much 
importance  likewise  in  the  differential  diagnosis  of  these 
cases.  The  post-mortem  appearances  of  some  of  the  chronic 
cases  we  remember  distinctly.  One  that  ended  in  purpura 
showed  particularly  the  ravages  of  the  disease  ;  solid  fibrous 
clots  separated  the  coats  of  the  stomach  and  parted  the 
muscles ;  they  were  also  found  in  the  intestines,  lungs,  and 
brain.  When  this  malady  occurs  as  a  sequel  to  influenza  it 
is  generally  fatal. 

The  question  has  often  been  asked,  "  Is  this  disease  you 
call  influenza  contagious  or  not  ?"  Considerable  diversity  of 
opinion,  even  amongst  veterinarians  qualified  to  speak  on 
the  subject,  exists  on  this  question.  Many  eminent  men  in 
the  profession  believe  it  to  be  contagious,  but  when  asked 
for  the  proofs  they  are  not  forthcoming.  This  will  no  doubt 
be  decided  as  veterinary  science  advances.  However,  an 
admission  of  the  fact  is  error  on  the  right  and  safe  side. 


79 

In  other  cases  examination  of  the  subjects  after  death 
showed  the  pleural  cavities  filled  with  serous  fluid;  the  lungs 
dark  colored  and  filled  with  bad  smelling  lymph;  purple 
spots  on  the  intestines,  and  sometimes  ulceration  of  the 
larynx  ;  and  the  muscles  of  an  unhealthy  color. 

Treatment. — There  is  very  much  in  common  in  the 
treatment,  although  it  must  be  modified  a  little  according  to 
the  organs  involved.  We  have  shown  that  great  muscular 
debility  accompanies  the  disease,  therefore  no  purgatives 
should  be  employed,  as  a  fixed  rule.  All  depletive  measures, 
such  as  are  produced  by  blood-letting,  the  use  of  aconite, 
belladonna,  &c.,  are  all  out  of  place.  This  applies  to  every 
form  of  the  disorder,  and  should  be  especially  borne  in 
mind,  as  a  rule  without  exception.  Hundreds  of  horses  that 
might  have  recovered  without  any  medicine,  but  good  nurs- 
ing, died  from  this  cause,  as  before  mentioned,  namely,  pur- 
gatives, aconite,  hellebore,  belladonna,  and  abstraction  of 
blood. 

It  is  a  fact  w^orthy  of  record,  that  the  mode  of  treatment 
pursued  by  the  profession  since  this  disease  showed  itself, 
has  never  varied  within  the  last  twenty  years,  nor  do  they 
see  any  reason  for  so  doing,  so  long  as  the  nature  and  symp- 
toms of  this  disease  remain  the  same.  Therefore  the  same 
remedies  (and  their  modifications)  will  be  in  use  in  solitary 
cases,  as  well  as  when  large  numbers  of  animals  are  the 
victims,  unless  the  disease  assumes  new  aspects  altogether. 

Having  removed  the  animal  or  animals  to  airy,  comfort- 
able stalls,  we  bandage  their  legs,  put  on  light  clothing, 
remove  and  shake  them  two  or  three  times  a  day.  If  the 
bowels  are  costive,  we  keep  them  in  good  order  with  clysters 
and  soap  and  water.  If  very  costive,  give  also  two  drachms 
of  aloes  in  solution.  From  the  first  day  of  the  attack  begin 
with  tonics  and  stimulants ;  the  best  I  know  of  is  the  fol- 
lowing :  Take  of — 

2  ounces  j  Carbonate  of  ammonia.  [  For  8 

of  each    (  Gentian.  j  balls. 

Give  one  morning  and  evening. 


Compound 
cough  mixture 


3d 

When  the  cough  is  very  distressing  we  give  the  following : 

'^  Ext.  of  belladonna  -  Half  an  ounce. 
"       opium  -  Two  drachms. 

Camphor  -         -  Three       " 

Liquorice         -         -  Two  ounces. 
Treacle  -         -         -  Eight      " 

Smear  a  spoonful  on  the  tongue  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

The  food  to  be  cooked,  and  consist  of  carrots,  apples, 
crushed  oats  and  bran  ;  and  also  an  ounce  of  saltpetre  in 
the  pail  of  drink.  To  such  patients  as  have  the  bronchial 
tubes  affected,  strong  linaments  or  mustard  to  be  applied 
along  the  throat  to  the  sternum. 

When  effusion  of  serum  into  the  cellular  tissues  first  made 
its  appearance,  by  swellings  of  the  legs  or  sheath,  we  found 
this  remedy  very  efficacious  :  Instead  of  giving  the  ammonia 
and  gentian  as  in  the  first  prescription,  we  give  the  following : 

Iodine     -         -         -  -  20  grains. 

Iodide  of  potassium  -     i  drachm. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre  -     2  ounces. 

^  Water  or  gruel         -  -     i  pint. 

Or  another  very  good  preparation  is  the  annexed — 

TkT  1     •  .    i  Iodide  of  potassium    -  )  ^ 
Make  mto  1^1         ^  ^    r  •    f  One  ounce 

o  1.   11       i  Carbonate  01  ammonia  >-       .        1 

8^^"^  (Gentian  -  -  -)  "^ '^^"'^- 
Give  one  morning  and  evening. 
The  symptoms  of  returning  health  should  be  manifest  the 
fourth  or  fifth  day,  and  is  seen  in  the  clearness  of  the  eyes, 
firmness  of  the  pulse,  the  heat  of  the  skin  more  equalized,  a 
discharge  from  the  nostrils,  and  some  action  of  the  bowels. 
Recovery  is  expedited  by  rest,  good  nursing,  proper  food, 
and  the  remedies  already  mentioned. 

SPINAL   AND   CEREBRO-SPINAL    MENINGITIS. 

This  disease  occurs  in  man,  in  an  epidemic  form,  as  well 
as  among  the  lower  orders  of  animals,  from  similar  causes, 
producing  similar  effects,  and  therefore  it  should  be  con- 
sidered as  a  panzootic  malady.     Its  clinical  history,  however, 


One  dose,  2  or 
3  times  a  day 


will  vary  according  to  the  physical  condition  of  the  patient, 
or  the  creature  in  which  it  is  manifested. 

This  affection  has  been  described  under  a  variety  of  names, 
by  different  authors,  in  accordance  with  some  prominent 
symptoms  which  they  at  various  times  observed,  and  thus 
regarded  as  pathognomonic  or  characteristic  of  these 
diseases.  In  New  England  the  medical  men,  in  short,  call 
it  "spotted  fever,"  while  in  the  South  it  is  known  as  the 
"cold  plague,"  in  common  parlance.  It  has  also  been  de- 
scribed as  diptheria,  putrid  fever,  paralysis,  and  blind  staggers 
by  veterinarians.  And  on  the  other  hand,  no  doubt  that 
both  medical  and  veterinary  men  have  confounded  several 
distinct  affections  under  this  new  and  popular  name  which 
has  only  recently  been  introduced  into  medical  literature. 
Many  have  supposed,  therefore,  that  this  disease  originated 
in  modern  times,  but  such  is  not  the  case.  It  has  un- 
doubtedly existed  from  remote  antiquity.  Dr.  Tourdes 
believes  that  it  was  prevalent  in  Europe  during  the  four- 
teenth century.  And  were  we  able  to  fathom  the  mysteries 
of  the  dark  ages,  we  should  undoubtedly  find  that  it  was 
raging  then  and  known  as  one  of  the  plagues  which  deci- 
mated the  herds,  and  those  nomadic  tribes.  Its  geographical 
distribution  is  very  extensive;  it  is  not  confined  to  any 
peculiar  locality,  nor  to  any  one  class  of  patients.  The  dis- 
order seems  to  occur  in  a  series  of  isolated  eruptions  rather 
than  by  general  spreading.  Hence  we  are  led  to  conclude 
that  it  is  not  contagious,  but  that  there  is  some  special  cause 
in  operation.  Perhaps  there  may  be  a  blood-poison  of  some 
kind  floating  in  the  atmosphere,  but  what  it  really  is  we  do 
not  know;  and  there  are  undoubtedly  secondary  causes 
which  thus  co-operate  in  producing  the  disease.  It  usually 
occurs  in  the  spring  and  early  summer,  when  the  weather  is 
changeable,  both  in  temperature  and  in  the  humidity  of  the 
atmosphere.  This  would  indicate  the  probability  of  some 
septic  change  taking  place  in  the  blood,  which  is  greatly 
facilitated  in  its  operation  by  a  certain  amount  of  heat  and 
moisture  in  the  surrounding  media. 


It  attacks  animals  under  all  conditions,  whether  well  cared 
for  in  the  barn  or  in  the  open  field ;  hence  we  cannot  attri- 
bute it,  as  many  have,  to  stable  management.  This  disease, 
as  its  name  implies,  is  an  inflammation  and  congestion  of  the 
membranes  which  surround  the  brain  and  the  spinal  cord. 
Hence  the  lesion,  or  seat  of  disease,  will  be  found  upon  post 
mortem  examination  to  be  wholly  within  the  nervous  system; 
and  therefore  the  symptoms  must  of  course  vary  according 
to  the  degree  of  severity  of  the  individual  cases,  from  the 
mildest  forms  to  those  where  death,  in  fact,  is  your  only  pre- 
monition. The  invasion  of  this  malady  is  always  sudden, 
and,  as  in  other  epizootics,  the  earlier  cases  are  extremely 
fatal. 

In  man  three  well  marked  forms  of  this  disease  occur, 
which  Radcliffe  has  denominated  as  the  "  simple,  fulminant, 
and  purpuric,"  and  the  same  is  often  observed,  with  slight 
modifications,  in  the  equine  race.  But  I  shall  consider  all 
these  forms  under  two  divisions,  which  I  trust  will  be  found 
to  be  the  most  natural  and  convenient,  as  we  cannot  study 
nervous  phenomena  in  the  lower  orders  of  animals  with  that 
degree  of  exactness  as  among  ourselves  when  aided  by  the 
emotions  and  powers  of  speech.  Hence  the  necessity  of 
being  thorough  in  our  examinations  of  these  affected  crea- 
tures, in  order  that  we  may  know  the  extent  of  these  morbid 
changes,  and  the  probable  chances  for  recovery  in  extreme 
cases. 

This  disease,  in  its  inception,  usually  attacks  the  head  or 
spinal  cord  only ;  but  afterwards,  in  severe  cases,  involves 
the  entire  nervous  system,  when  the  symptoms,  of  course, 
though  different  at  first,  become  very  similar  in  the  fatal 
termination  of  both  these  forms,  from  the  same  cause. 

The  cerebral  mode  of  invasion  is  not  of  more  frequent 
occurrence  than  the  other,  and  in  mild  cases  your  attention 
may  only  be  called  to  a  general  indisposition  of  the  animal. 
While  in  others  you  will  first  notice  an  inability  on  the  part 
of  the  creature  to  swallow,  and  in  attempting  to  drink  will 


^3 

often  drool  as  though  something  was  the  matter  with  the 
throat ;  soon  there  will  appear  a  copious  discharge  of  saliva 
with  more  or  less  mucus,  and  on  opening  the  mouth  food 
will  usually  be  found  on  the  tongue  and  between  the  teeth, 
and  the  sides  of  the  buccal  cavity.  At  this  stage,  if  the 
horse  is  continually  masticating,  as  is  often  the  case,  you 
may  be  sure  that  the  power  of  deglutition  is  entirely  lost,  so 
that  no  particle  of  solid  or  liquid  food  can  be  swallowed. 

This  symptom,  though  often  mistaken  for  diptheria,  is  but 
the  consequence  of  the  partial  paralysis  of  the  glosso-pha- 
ryngeal  and  pneumogastric  nerves  which  supply  sensation 
and  motor  power  to  these  parts ;  and  therefore  it  serves  to 
indicate  the  degree  of  disturbance  which  has  already  taken 
place  in  the  medulla  oblongata^  at  the  base  of  the  brain,  from 
which  these  cranial  nerves  arise. 

SPINAL    MENINGITIS. 

In  the  spinal  mode  of  the  attack  the  animal  at  first  appears 
unsteady  in  action,  and  there  is  great  tenderness  on  pressure 
along  the  spine,  which  is  not  the  case  in  the  early  symptoms 
of  the  other  form.  Very  soon  the  horse  loses  all  power  of 
co-ordination,  and  thus  falls  prostrate  from  the  inability  to 
use  the  posterior  extremities,  which  in  many  cases  are  com- 
pletely paralyzed  from  the  congestion  and  effusion  that  has 
taken  place  in  the  spinal  cord  within  the  lumbar  region.  At 
this  time  the  sphincters  that  guard  the  outlets  of  the  bowels 
and  bladder  are  also  relaxed,  so  that  the  creature  has  no 
control  over  these  passages,  and  not  unfrequently,  as  the 
inflammation  extends  forward,  the  muscles  of  the  anterior 
portions  of  the  body  and  of  the  neck  become  rigidly  con- 
tracted, for  a  while,  similar  to  that  of  lock-jaw.  But  as  the 
head  becomes  involved  the  paralysis  is  apparently  complete, 
when  death  by  coma  or  insensibility  soon  follows.  Thus 
we  see  the  difference  in  these  two  modes  of  attack.  The 
respiration,  in  the  first  form,  becomes  affected  early^  or  as 
soon  as  the  medulla  is  involved,  but  not  until  latei'  in  the 


84 

Other ;  and  so  with  the  paralysis  of  the  organs  of  deglutition, 
which  in  the  spinal  mode  of  attack  does  not  usually  appear 
until  just  before  death,  for  a  majority  of  these  cases  prove 
fatal.  The  temperature  varies  some  four  or  five  degrees 
from  the  normal,  according  to  the  physical  condition  of  the 
patient  and  the  protraction  of  the  malady ;  but  in  certain 
fulinina7it  cases,  which,  as  the  term  implies,  occur  so  instan- 
taneously that  there  is  no  apparent  interval  between  the 
time  of  one  portion  of  the  nervous  system  being  attacked 
and  the  other,  the  temperature  from  the  severity  of  the  shock 
may  even  fall  below  the  normal.  Such  cases  of  sudden 
death  are  usually  mistaken  for  "blind  staggers." 

The  pulse  is  quickened  at  first,  but  grows  slow  and  feeble 
as  the  disease  approaches  a  fatal  termination.  The  state  of 
the  bowels  depends  in  a  great  measure  upon  the  degree  of 
the  spinal  paralysis.  They  are  usually  costive  at  first,  but 
often  become  extremely  loose.  The  "  spotted  "  appearance 
of  the  skin,  which  is  one  of  the  characteristic  symptoms  in 
the  human  subject,  is  believed  to  be  of  rare  occurrence  in 
the  equine  race,  though  I  have  observed  it  on  two  occasions 
in  a  marked  degree.  There  appeared  upon  the  sides  of  the 
body,  near  the  fore  legs,  a  series  of  round,  hard  patches, 
somewhat  elevated,  about  the  size  of  a  penny,  and  some 
twenty  in  number  on  each  horse,  which  remained  for  a 
number  of  hours. 

Treatment. — "In  a  disease  so  rapid  in  its  course  and 
fatal  in  its  character,"  observes  Professor  Large,  "  it  is 
extremely  difficult  to  say  anything  satisfactory  of  the  course 
of  treatment  to  be  adopted.  There  are  certain  indications 
to  be  fulfilled ;  the  question  is,  how  is  it  best  to  carry  them 
out.?  We  must  take  into  consideration  the  nature  of  the 
disease,  the  probable  progress  it  has  made,  and  the  mischief 
done  before  the  case  is  seen ;  it  is  not  often  that  the  veteri- 
narian is  called  in  at  the  onset,  but  generally  when  he  exam- 
ines his  cases  he  will  find  from  the  paralysis  of  some  parts, 
as  the  throat  or  posterior  extremities,  that  the  inflammation 


85 

has  existed  long  enough  for  its  products  to  be  exuded  from 
the  vessels.  We  must  also  take  into  consideration  that  in 
the  cases  where  the  power  of  deglutition  of  both  fluids  and 
solids  is  lost,  we  are  deprived  of  one  method  of  administer- 
ing medicine,  viz.,  by  the  mouth,  unless  a  stomach-pump 
should  be  within  reach,  whereby  we  might  pump  or  pour 
the  medicines  through  its  tube  safely  into  the  stomach.  We 
must  give  a  caution  with  regard  to  administering  draughts 
or  medicine  in  a  fluid  form.  It  is  often  a  risky  experiment 
for  an  inexperienced  person,  even  on  an  animal  whose  powers 
of  deglutition  are  perfect,  but  in  the  cases  now  under  con- 
sideration, where  those  powers  are  but  imperfect,  if  not 
altogether  lost,  it  is  fraught  with  great  danger;  the  fluid 
may  perhaps  pass  down  the  trachea  to  the  bronchial  tubes 
and  produce  death  by  suff'ocation.  If  fluid  medicine  is 
administered,  it  must  be  of  a  clear  nature,  and  but  little  in 
quantity.  There  are  other  methods  of  administering  medi- 
cines, such  as  by  the  rectum,  or  the  hypodermic  method ; 
but  when  suddenly  called  iiway  from  home,  we  have  not 
always  these  facilities  for  administration. 

"  The  next  questions  are,  '  What  medicines  should  be  ad- 
ministered ?'  '  What  is  the  course  of  treatment  to  be  adopted.-*' 
As  we  have  inflammation  of  a  very  important  and  grave 
character  to  deal  with,  all  our  treatment  must  be  brought  to 
bear  upon  it — to  subdue  it,  if  possible,  or  endeavor,  if  we 
can,  to  diminish  its  intensity — to  limit  it  to  a  part  of  the 
spinal  tract,  and  prevent  it  spreading  to  others.  If  when 
the  surgeon  is  called  he  finds  the  patient  down,  prostrated, 
or  that  it  has  lost  for  some  little  time  previously  all  power 
of  deglutition,  he  will  find  it  almost  useless  to  attempt  treat- 
ment ;  but  should  the  animal  not  be  prostrated,  and  should 
it  be  able  to  swallow  food,  or  a  bolus,  though  it  cannot 
swallow  water,  the  prognosis  is  more  favorable,  and  treat- 
ment should  be  undertaken  and  persevered  in  while  there  is 
a  reasonable  hope  of  recovery. 

"  Blood-letting  is  a  powerful  antiphlogistic  agent,  but  in 


86 


the  large  majority  of  these  cases  there  are  no  indications  by 
the  pulse  for  its  use ;  it  must  therefore  be  dispensed  with. 
We  must  resort  to  cathartics,  such  as  aloes,  as  the  depletive 
agent,  and  besides  make  use  of  those  sedatives  whose  action 
is  directed  principally  to  the  nervous  system,  and  that  exer- 
cise an  influence  on  the  capillary  vessels  and  limit  the  sup- 
ply of  blood  going  through  them  to  a  part.  The  agents  we 
have  used  for  this  purpose  are  tincture  of  aconite  and  extract 
of  belladonna,  alternately ;  commencing  their  administration 
soon  after  giving  the  cathartic,  not  waiting  for  its  action,  as 
time  is  very  precious.  In  fact,  we  frequently  combine  the 
sedative  with  the  cathartic,  as  follows — from  one  to  two 
teaspoonfuls  of  extract  of  belladonna  with  a  full  dose  of 
aloes,  for  an  adult  horse  ;  then  administer  tincture  of  aconite 
root  in  half  teaspoonful  doses  in  part  of  a  tumbler  of  water 
every  three  hours,  or  alternating  every  other  dose  with  a 
medium  dose  of  the  extract.  This  is  the  course  of  treatment 
followed  by  us  for  several  years,  and  in  the  cases  where 
recovery  took  place.  Local  applications,  such  as  stimulants 
or  counter-irritants,  in  the  form  of  blisters,  to  produce  a 
revulsive  action,  should  be  applied  to  the  spine  and  throat ; 
these  should  be  repeated  from  time  to  time  till  relief  is 
afforded.  Finally,  should  the  case  or  cases  be  so  protracted 
that  failure  of  the  vital  forces,  or  great  exhaustion,  is  appa- 
rent, all  agents  of  a  depletive  or  sedative  nature  must  be 
abandoned,  and  stimulants  and  tonics  be  administered  in 
their  stead,  to  sustain  the  system. 

"When  the  patients  respond  to  the  treatment,  it  will  be 
found  that  the  muscles  regain  their  power  in  a  short  time, 
so  that  if  it  is  the  throat  that  is  affected,  in  the  course  of  a 
few  days  the  patient  will  be  able  to  swallow  well,  though 
some  time  will  be  required  for  a  complete  restoration  to 
health. 

"  Other  measures  of  treatment,  both  as  regards  those 
attacked  and  those  under  preventive  treatment,  will  have 
reference  to  hygiene  and  diet.      Keep  the  animal  in  stal)les 


87 

or  apartments  that  are  clean,  airy,  but  free  from  draughts. 
Let  them  have  fresh  water  by  them  constantly  ;  even  if  they 
cannot  swallow  much  of  it,  it  will  be  grateful  to  them  to  wash 
their  mouth,  and  they  may  even  manage  to  get  a  little  down. 
With  regard  to  food,  let  them  have  small  quantities  of  nutri- 
tive food,  of  small  bulk,  nicely  prepared,  and  moderately 
thick  gruel,  cSic.  The  surface  of  the  body  and  extremities 
should  be  watched  as  regards  temperature ;  if  cool,  thin, 
light,  warm  clothing  and  bandages  to  the  limbs  will,  by 
equalizing  the  circulation,  materially  assist  the  treatment." 

In  addition  to  these  valuable  suggestions,  I  would  say  that 
as  we  do  not  know  of  any  specific  antidotes  for  this  disease, 
nor  how  to  eliminate  the  supposed  morbid  poison  from  the 
blood,  our  plan  in  the  course  of  treatment  should  be  to  stay, 
if  possible,  the  progress  of  the  malady  and  restore  the  vital 
powers.  Hence  tonics  are  indicated  from  the  first.  Quinine 
and  other  preparations  of  Peruvian  bark,  with  the  tincture 
of  iron,  which  will  be  of  great  service  in  keeping  up  the 
strength  of  the  animal.  Digitalis  has  an  important  action 
on  the  heart,  and  should  never  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  treat- 
ment of  all  such  nervous  affections.  It  may  be  combined 
with  alcoholic  stimulants,  and  thus  used  to  good  advantage 
in  sustaining  the  action  of  that  vital  and  all-important  organ. 
Bromide  of  potassium  has  been  given  in  the  early  stages 
with  valuable  results,  and  it  is  deserving  of  a  more  systematic 
trial  in  the  hands  of  veterinarians.  It  should  be  given  in 
ounce  doses  freely,  dissolved  in  water  when  the  creature  can 
swallow.  The  permanganate  of  potash  has  been  used  on 
account  of  its  supposed  antiseptic  property  in  thus  nullifying 
the  effects  of  this  blood-poison.  Counter-irritants  and 
blisters  along  the  spine  are  of  great  value  if  applied  early, 
and  even  actual  cautery  freely  applied  to  the  back  has  been 
followed  by  great  alleviation  of  the  pain,  in  the  human  sub- 
ject. The  application  of  ice  to  the  head  and  along  the 
spinal  track  has  furnished  by  far  the  most  satisfactory  results 
of  all  direct  treatment;    but  if  there  is  much  prostration 


88 


from  its  use,  the  creature  should  be  kept  warm  by  blankets 
and  artificial  heat  if  necessary,  especially  in  winter.  When 
the  extremities  become  cold  and  there  is  much  shivering, 
friction  with  chloroform,  hartshorn,  or  turpentine  should  be 
resorted  to.  Experience  leads  us  in  such  cases,  where  the 
vital  powers  seem  to  be  failing,  to  give  large  and  repeated 
doses  of  gin  or  brandy. 

In  relation  to  the  principles  of  veterinary  hygiene,  I  would 
say  that  we  cannot  bestow  too  much  time  and  attention  upon 
these  afflicted  animals.  The  stables  must  be  well  ventilated 
daily  and  clarified  by  the  free  use  of  disinfectants,  especially 
if  there  are  a  large  number  of  horses  together.  Horses 
should  not  be  used  after  they  show  any  signs  of  this  disease, 
and  undoubtedly  many  might  have  been  saved  had  this  pre- 
caution been  carefully  heeded ;  nor  should  they  be  used  too 
soon  after  having  recovered  from  an  attack  of  this  kind. 

PURPURA    H.EMORRHAGICA. 

Cause. — This  terrible  disease  very  rarely  occurs  as  a 
primary  and  independent  disorder  in  our  animals  ;  it  usually 
attacks  old  and  debilitated  subjects,  and  may  be  the  termi- 
nation of  various  diseases,  such  as  pneumonia,  influenza,  &c. 
When  suffering  from  these  attacks  patients  are  very  often 
neglected  or  wrongfully  treated,  or,  oftener  still,  put  to  work 
before  health  is  established.  This  is  the  history  of  hundreds 
of  cases  which  come  before  veterinarians  in  the  course  of 
their  practice.  Remonstrance  with  owners  of  horses  on  this 
cruelty  is  generally  unheeded.  Mr.  Mayhew  has  preached 
more  on  this  subject  than  most  men,  but  it  is  very  doubtful 
if  he  did  much  good  except  increase  the  volume  of  his  book. 
The  result  of  these  things  is  the  loss  of  numbers  of  horses 
by  purpura  and  other  disorders.  This  disease  most  fre- 
quently is  the  sequel  and  termination  of  pneumonia,  stran- 
gles, or  influenza,  and  in  odd  cases  of  neglected  colds. 
Neglect  or  wrong  treatment  of  any  of  these  diseases  may 
lead  to  purpura. 


89 

The  immediate  cause  or  causes  of  this  disorder  may  (in 
common  with  other  blood  diseases)  depend  upon  a  chemical 
and  dynamic  change  in  the  blood.  We  have  endeavored  to 
show  how  this  occurs  in  a  former  article,  and  it  may  be 
repeated  here.  It  originates  at  least  in  two  ways  :  First,  by 
the  non-excretion  (and  consequent  accumulation  in  the 
blood)  of  excrementitious  substances  which,  by  their  own 
properties,  or  by  the  chemical  changes  they  undergo,  prove 
highly  injurious  to  the  system  ;  or,  secondly,  by  the  mtro- 
duction  into  the  blood  of  morbid  substances  from  without. 

The  effects  of  these  poisons  when  introduced  or  retained 
in  the  bodies  of  animals  are  both  local  and  constitutional. 
The  constitutional  symptoms,  which  always  begin  the  attack, 
are  nearly  alike  for  them  all :  but  the  local  symptoms  are 
peculiar  to  each.  There  is  one  fact  in  connection  with  this 
subject  worth  remembering,  and  that  is,  that  the  poison 
resulting  from  the  non-elimination  of  the  excretions  is  never 
a  primary  and  independent  affection.  It  therefore  must  be 
studied  in  connection  with  those  disorders  of  which  it  forms 
a  secondary  or  resultant,  though  important  part.  A  right 
understanding  of  these  facts  will  enable  us  at  once  to  under- 
stand the  nature  and  symptoms  of  purpura  h?emorrhagica: 

Symptoms. — We  have  endeavored  to  show  that  when 
such  diseases  as  influenza,  pneumonia,  or  strangles  are 
neglected  or  mismanaged,  or  when  these  diseases  are  pro- 
longed, there  is  engendered  and  retained  in  the  system  some 
specific  poison  which  reduces  the  vitality  of  the  blood ;  this 
is  seen  in  the  diminished  quantity  and  altered  condition  of 
the  fibrine  of  the  blood,  which  renders  it  thin  and  imperfectly 
coagulable. 

When  the  blood  is  thus  thin  and  impoverished  it  is  imper- 
fectly retained  in  the  badly  nourished  vessels,  and  becomes 
extravasated  on  the  mucous  surfaces.  When  the  disease  has 
progressed  this  far  the  symptoms  are  soon  manifest  to  the 
senses.  This  eftusion  of  blood  may  be  seen  in  spots  in  the 
nostrils,  within  the  lips,  and  about  the  head ;  from  these  red 


90 

or  purple  blotches,  blood  constantly  oozes.  Soon  after  swell- 
ings appear  about  the  head,  sternum,  belly,  sheath,  and  hind 
limbs ;  this  is  caused  by  the  effusion  of  serum,  mingled  with 
blood,  into  the  cellular  tissue.  After  a  little  time  these 
enlargements  become  firm  and  hard,  and  crack  in  a  few 
days,  when  bloody  serum  exudes  from  the  openings.  The 
skin  is  hot  and  thickened,  but  not  painfull.  These  swell- 
ings must  not  be  confounded  with  anasarca,  for  there  are 
important  distinctions  between  them  ;  in  the  first  place,  they 
are  not  the  offspring  of  the  same  vicious  parents  (although 
some  contend  that  they  are  cousins  on  the  mother's  side). 
All  dropsies  proceed  from  a  depraved  habit  or  system,  or, 
in  other  words,  an  error  of  development  and  vice  of  nutri- 
tion affecting  the  general  state  of  the  organs  and  functions 
with  perversion  or  debility. 

In  the  former  the  swelling  is  firm  and  unyielding  to  the 
touch ;  in  the  latter  it  is  soft  and  pitting  on  pressure.  The 
cause  producing  the  one  is  called  by  learned  folk  "'  toxremia," 
the  other  "cachexia." 

In  the  second  instance  the  serum  effused  into  the  cellular 
tissue  which  produces  the  swellings  is  mingled  with  blood  ; 
in  the  case  of  general  dropsy  it  is  simply  serum. 

Besides  the  symptoms  already  mentioned  there  are 
others.  The  appetite  fails,  the  bowels  irritable  and  irregu- 
lar, the  action  of  the  kidneys  is  also  imperfectly  performed, 
the  pulse  is  quick  and  weak,  and  there  is  great  general 
debility ;  the  swellings  about  the  head  and  lips  interfere 
with  eating,  and,  more  serious  still,  purple  extravasations 
similar  to  those  within  the  nostrils  are  apt  to  spread  along 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  giving 
rise  to  indigestion,  colic  and  diarrhoea. 

Not  only  so,  but  these  blotches  may  appear  on  the  still 
more  sensitive  lining  of  the  bronchial  tubes  and  lungs,  pro- 
ducing blowing,  choking,  and  a  suffocating  cough.  These 
symptoms  are  seen  in  the  dilated,  flapping  nostrils,  from 
which  bloody  serum  trickles.  In  bad  cases  of  this  sort 
prostration  or  suffocation  carries  off  the  patient  in  a  few  days. 


91 

After  death  the  blood  vessels  are  found  to  contain  thin, 
black  blood,  which  will  not  coagulate.  In  other  cases,  as 
mentioned  in  a  previous  article,  fibrous  clots  separate  the 
coats  of  the  stomach  as  well  as  the  muscles,  and  are  generally 
distributed  over  the  mucous  surfaces. 

Treatment. — There  is  a  fair  hope  of  recovery  when  the 
swelling  is  confined  to  the  limbs,  and  even  when  the  head  is 
swollen  to  a  slight  extent ;  but  when,  instead  of  appearing 
externally,  the  extravasation  is  poured  out  on  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  lungs  or  bowels,  the  case  is  very  hopeless. 
So  irritable  are  the  bowels  that  even  very  moderate  doses  of 
purgative  medicine  cause  dangerous  irritation  ;  so  that  a  lax- 
ative condition  must  be  produced  by  clysters  and  draughts 
of  linseed  tea. 

Saline  diuretics  must  be  given  to  counteract  or  remove 
the  faulty  state  of  the  blood,  and  tonics  and  stimulants  early 
and  liberally  used  to  support  the  strength.  For  this  })urpose 
a  combination  of — 

Solution  of  the  acetate  of  ammonia     -  Two  ounces. 

Turpentine      _  -  -  -  One  ounce. 

Tincture  of  the  chloride  of  iron  -  " 

This  may  be  given  three  or  four  times  a  day  in  a  pint  of 

water,  ale,  or  gruel.     Or,  instead  of  this,  give  the  following 

night  and  morning — 

{Sulphate  of  iron.  1 
Gentian.  I  Two  drachms 

Camphor.  of  each. 

Saltpetre.  J 

Besides  medical  treatment,  an  airy  house  is  essential,  with 
perfect  rest,  warm  clothing,  bandages,  and  occasional  dry 
friction  to  the  legs ;  plenty  of  good,  nutritious  food  offered 
frequently,  varied  often  but  never  forced  upon  the  animal, 
and  never,  when  it  is  refused,  allowed  to  remain  long  before 
him.  To  promote  absorption  of  the  extravasations  and 
swellings,  as  well  as  to  prevent  sloughing,  bathe  the  mouth 
and  nostrils  frequently  with  tepid  water  and  vinegar,  and 
subsequently  moisten  them  with   ecpial  parts  of  Gouland's 


92 

extract  and  arnica  diluted  with  forty  parts  of  water.  When 
sloLighings  do  occur,  as  they  do  frequently,  especially  about 
the  limbs,  tepid  water  dressings,  mild  astringent  applications, 
and  good  food  afford  the  best  hopes  of  cure. 

When  the  lips  are  so  tumefied  as  to  interfere  with  eating, 
they  must  be  diligently  fomented  and  scarified,  for  all  treat- 
ment will  be  useless  if  the  creature  cannot  eat. 

The  swellings  about  the  sheath  and  limbs,  as  well  as  the 
head,  must  be  scarified.  If  suffocation  ensues,  perform 
tracheotomy. 

GLANDERS. 

Cause. — This  is  the  most  loathsome  and  malignant 
disease  to  which  the  horse  is  subject.  It  seems  to  exist  as 
one  of  the  chief  scourges  of  the  equine  race,  and  at  the  same 
.  time  a  severe  penalty  on  man  for  long  continued  neglect 
and  ill-treatment  of  this  animal.  This  is  a  fearful  complaint 
when  communicated  to  any  of  the  human  species,  and  is 
then  known  by  the  name  of  equinia.  Like  purpura,  this 
disorder  seldom,  if  ever,  arises  as  a  primary  and  independ- 
ent disease ;  it  is  generally  the  sequel  or  termination  of 
several  diseases,  some  of  which  may  not  have  shown  very 
marked  symptoms  at  the  time  of  their  invasion,  except 
general  debility. 

There  are  two  forms  of  glanders,  the  acute  and  chronic. 
The  latter  is  more  to  be  dreaded  than  the  former  ;  it  may 
exist  for  some  months,  or  even  a  year  or  two,  spreading  the 
contagion  amongst  other  horses,  without  any  decision  by 
the  owners  of  the  nature  of  the  disorder  or  where  it  may 
end.  The  acute  form  runs  its  course  very  rapidly;  the 
symptoms  in  this  case  are  very  well  marked,  and  by  proper 
precautions  the  danger  of  the  propagation  of  the  disease 
might  possibly  be  stopped  in  time  to  prevent  further  mis- 
chief. The  causes  which  produce  glanders  are  pretty  nu- 
merous, but  it  maybe  stated  in  general  terms  "  that  they 
include  everything  that  impairs  the  integrity  of  the  blood, 
such  as  bad  feeding,  over-work,  close,  foul,  damp,  or  over- 


93 

crowded  stables."  Glanders  also  is  the  sequel  and  termina- 
tion of  influenza,  strangles,  and  other  diseases,  especially 
when  prolonged  either  by  neglect  or  mismanagement.  Any 
man  who  has  seen  numbers  of  horses  in  the  late  epizootic 
must  have  seen  cases  of  glanders  as  the  termination  of  that 
disorder. 

There  is  wonderful  resemblance  between  this  equine 
disease  and  some  diseases  of  mankind,  such  as  syphilis  and 
tuberculosis.  It  is  like  syphilis,  for  it  is  a  specific  disease, 
•it  has  a  specific  virus  and  a  specific  inflammation,  and  pro- 
duces by  inoculation  its  own  kind,  and  no  other.  Nor  does 
the  likeness  end  here.  ist.  Each  of  these  disorders  exhibits 
a  peculiar  plan  of  morbid  process.  2d.  Each  depends  upon 
a  peculiar  cause.  3d.  The  effects  of  that  cause  are  alto- 
gether irrespective  of  its  quantity  or  the  extent  of  applica- 
tion (the  smallest  particle  of  the  virus  of  glanders  absorbed 
into  the  system  is  sufficient  to  produce  the  disease ;  the  same 
aplies  to  syphilis).  4th,  They  are  especially  diffusible  from 
one  part  of  the  body  to  another.  5th.  They  exhibit  different 
stages  of  morbid  process,  and  so  forth. 

Its  analogy  with  tubercular  disease  might  be  easily  traced 
(if  space  permitted)  by  the  deposition  of  tubercle  on  the  lung 
tissue,  septum  nasi,  (S:c.  The  inflammation  of  each  is  fol- 
lowed by  abscesses,  ulcerations,  and  other  disorders  of  the 
skin,  mucous  membrane,  glands  and  bones,  showing  great 
obstinacy  in  their  career.  This  tubercle  is  seldom,  if  ever, 
absorbed,  either  in  phthisis  or  glanders.  The  contagious- 
ness of  this  disease,  both  to  man  and  beast,  is  acknowledged 
by  all  people.  Horse  proprietors  often  fancy  that  when  they 
have  made  their  stables  scrupulously  clean  after  the  removal 
of  an  animal  who  had  the  disease  that  all  danger  is  then 
past;  but  this  is  very  often  a  fallacy.  When  once  the  virus 
is  strewn  about  and  lodged  in  a  stable  it  is  not  so  easily 
dislodged  as  are  some  poor  tenants.  It  is  well  for  the  com- 
munity that  there  are  some  men  who  make  "neglect  and 
cruelty  to  animals  "  in  every  form  their  special  business,  for 


94 

they  are  really  friends  to  the  community — friends  to  the 
animals  with  four  legs,  as  well  as  to  the  owners  of  horses 
themselves,  who  are  supposed  only  to  have  two  legs.  There- 
fore societies  for  prevention  of  cruelty  to  animals  ought  to 
receive  encouragement  from  every  noble  and  patriotic 
citizen. 

Some  people,  in  their  simplicity,  suppose  that  glanders  is 
merely  a  local  disease  situated  in  the  frontial  sinuses,  and 
hence  sending  out  a  discharge  through  the  nostrils.  I  trust 
that  what  has  been  said  already,  as  well  as  what  follows, 
may  dispel  that  illusion. 

Symptoms. — The  signs  and  symptoms  of  this  filthy  dis- 
order in  its  earlier  stage  are  not  very  prominent.  The 
chronic  form  is  most  insidious  and  slow  in  its  operations  ; 
here  we  have  no  violent  and  visible  manifestations  of  its 
ravages.  An  animal  having  this  form  of  the  disease  may 
live  for  two  years,  and  might  possibly  be  the  cause  of  spread- 
ing its  virus  and  extending  its  deadly  effects  to  a  thousand 
horses,  which  might  all  be  dead  in  a  few  weeks,  while  the 
poor  brute  itself  lingers  on  to  a  slow  but  certain  death. 
Only  one  animal  in  eight  or  ten  contracts  the  disease  directly 
by  contagion  ;  this  calculation  has  been  arrived  at  after  long 
and  patient  examination.  When  they  do  it  assumes  the 
acute  form  of  glanders,  and  as  a  general  rule  the  creature 
dies  within  a  week  or  ten  days  after  ulceration  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  nostrils  becomes  visible. 

The  constitutional  disturbance  and  symptoms  are  mostly 
the  same  for  both,  only  intensified  in  the  acute  form.  We 
have  already  said  that  the  inflammation  connected  with 
glanders  is  no  ordinary,  but  a  specific  inflammation;  it  is 
slow  in  its  ravages,  as  well  as  destructive  to  every  tissue, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  repair  them.  Ordinary  inflammation, 
say  of  mucous  membrane,  ends  in  suppuration  and  the  for- 
mation of  pus,  which,  when  finally  absorbed,  the  patient 
regains  its  health.  Not  so,  however,  with  this  species.  The 
constitution  is  so  dreadfully  depressed  and  debilitated  that 


95 

the  lymph  poured  out  as  the  effects  of  this  inflammation 
partakes  of  the  faulty  state  of  the  system,  is  weak  and  dete- 
riorated— unfit  for  organization,  unfit  even  for  the  formation 
of  healthy  pus.  It  irritates  and  inflames  every  tissue  with 
which  it  is  in  contact,  and  causes  irregular  sores  with 
indented  edges,  which  discharge  thin,  irritating  pus;  these 
are  called  ulcers,  which  is  the  effect  of  molecular  death. 
From  this  short  explanation  it  can  easily  be  understood  that 
as  this  inflammation  extends  there  is  found  in  its  track 
abscesses  and  ulceration  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
skin,  the  lungs,  the  glands,  and  even  of  the  bones. 

Having  very  briefly  and  imperfectly  explained  the  nature 
and  general  symptoms  of  glanders,  a  few  words  on  the  more 
visible  and  minute  signs  and  appearances  which  the  disease 
manifests. 

Most  horsemen  look  on  the  membrane  of  the  nostrils  for 
the  first  symptoms  of  this  disorder,  but  the  ulceration  may 
be  situated  so  high  up  as  to  defy  all  our  efforts  to  distinguish 
it.  The  discharge  from  the  nose  may  also  mislead,  for  that 
is  common  to  many  diseases.  The  first  discharge  is  scarcely 
noticeable,  and  generally  flows  from  one  of  the  nostrils ;  at 
first  it  is  a  slight  watery  defluxion  ;  this  changes  to  a  copious 
transparent  excretion ;  then  to  the  third  or  formation  of 
unhealthy  pus,  which  has  generally  no  perceptible  simile ; 
and  lastly  to  the  ulcerative  stage.  The  membrane,  when 
'  thus  affected,  is  found  to  be  covered  with  straw-colored 
'  ulcers.  "  Previous  to  any  discharge  the  membrane  in  the 
I  first  instance  is  thickened,  and  the  neighboring  lymphatic 
glands  and  vessels  are  enlarged  and  painful.  One  or  more 
minute  pustules  appear,  first  of  a  red  and  afterwards  of  a 
yellow  color,  and  commonly  situated  on  the  vascular  septum 
nasi.  After  a  time  they  burst,  and  the  pus  escaping  leaves 
a  hole  or  ulcer,  with  rugged,  thickened,  inflamed,  undeter- 
mined edges.  The  ulcer  discharges  a  sticky,  greenish,  un- 
healthy pus.  This  ulceration,  once  begun,  goes  on  until  the 
membrane   is  destroyed  and  the   system    poisoned    by  the 


96 

absorption  of  this  ichorous  discharge.  Along  with  these 
symptoms  the  nose  occasionally  bleeds,  the  eyes  are  promi- 
nent and  watery,  the  coat  rough  and  staring,  the  breathing 
snoring  and  somewhat  disturbed,  the  pulse  soft  and  easily 
accelerated.  Together  with  these  symptoms  there  is  a 
suffocating,  choking  cough,  the  animal  rapidly  loses  flesh, 
the  excretions  have  an  intolerable  odor,  and  lastly,  the 
lymphatic  glands  and  vessels  are  enlarged,  hard  and  painful. 
This  description  applies  with  more  accuracy  to  the  acute 
form  of  glanders.  In  the  chronic  state  the  ulceration  is 
slight,  while  the  animal  with  generous  diet  has  a  healthy 
coat,  and  may  perform  moderate  work. 

Treatment. — The  risk  of  human  life,  and  the  hopeless- 
ness of  the  case,  makes  this  disease  no  subject  for  treatment. 
The  smallest  particle  of  this  discharge  of  ichorous  matter 
blown  into  the  eye,  or  coming  in  contact  with  an  abraded 
surface  of  any  part  of  the  body  of  man  or  beast,  is  quite 
sufficient  to  convey  the  disease.  Therefore  the  only  treat- 
ment is  to  take  of  lead  a  two-ounce  ball,  and  as  quickly  as 
possible  put  it  through  the  animal's  brain,  and  have  it  buried 
deep  under  ground. 

i 

FARCY.  ^ 

Cause, — This  disease  is  only  another  form  of  glanders ; 
the  seat  of  both  diseases  is  in  the  blood.  The  least  altera- 
tion in  the  character  of  this  vital  fluid  always  produces  the 
most  alarming  consequences.  The  identity  of  these  dis- 
orders has  long  since  been  established. 

The  chief  difference  between  farcy  and  glanders  consists 
in  its  site,  or  the  particular  parts  of  the  animal's  body  which 
manifests  the  ravages  of  this  terrible  disease. 

Symptoms. — The  specific  inflammation  of  farcy,  instead 
of  ending  in  suppuration,  terminates  in  ulceration.  The 
degenerated  lymph  poured  out  from  the  inflamed  glands  and 
vessels  soon  undergoes  important  changes;  the  over-lying 
skin  soon  becomes  absorbed,  and  farcy  buds  (or  ulcers)  soon 


97 

appear  on  the  surface.  The  ulcers  are  shnilar  to  those  found 
in  the  nostrils  of  glandered  patients ;  these  sometimes  spread 
over  the  whole  surface  of  the  skin. 

The  superficial  absorbent  glands  and  vessels  of  the  hind 
limbs  are  chiefly  the  parts  attacked.  The  inside  of  the 
thighs,  if  examined,  will  present  abrupt,  indurated,  and 
painful  swellings  resembling  those  of  erysipelas,  but  more 
tardy  in  their  progress ;  these  remain  sometimes  for  several 
weeks  before  the  skin  is  broken.  Farcy  in  many  instances 
precede,  and  in  other  cases  accompanies  glanders.  Should 
we  proceed  to  feel  and  examine  the  parts  more  particularly 
apparent  to  the  senses,  we  shall  find  lines  of  firm,  corded, 
inflamed  absorbents,  with  knobs  over  the  thickened  valves, 
these  run  from  below  upward,  the  hair  along  their  course 
becoming  rough  and  bristling. 

Treatment. — These  ulcers,  although  hopelessly  incura- 
ble when  located  in  the  nostrils,  are  more  manageable  when 
affecting  the  limbs.  They  must  be  scarified  with  a  firing  iron, 
which  should  besides  being  gently  run  over  the  contiguous 
irritable  parts,  be  also  dressed  with  an  ointment  of  the  red 
iodide  of  mercury,  and  washed  daily  with  diluted  carbolic 
acid. 

To  purify  the  system  (if  possible)  several  remedies  must 
be  employed.  The  bowels  must  be  kept  open  by  two  drachm 
doses  of  aloes,  given  occasionally ;  the  kidneys,  acted  on  by 
the  use  of  two  ounce  doses  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  every 
second  day ;  and  the  skin  by  comfortable  clothing  and  good 
grooming.  In  addition  to  these  a  pure  ventilated  atmos- 
phere and  perfect  cleanliness  are  also  essential.  Plenty  of 
I  good  food,  such  as  bruised  oats,  oatmeal  gruel,  linseed  tea, 
j  carrots,  clover,  or  whatever  the  beast  will  eat,  must  be  given. 

Tonic  medicines  must  also  be  administered.  For  this  pur- 
ipose  take  of 

'         Twice  a  day  {  ^^"^1;^^^"^  °f  Copper,  j  ^^^  ^^^^,^,^  ^^^^ 
This  prescription  may  be  changed  on  the  third  or  fourth 


98 

day  for  the  following  :  pretty  large  dose  of  Fowler's  solution 
of  arsenic,  in  a  pail  of  water  will  do  good  service. 

The  limbs  when  hot  and  tender,  must  be  fomented  with 
warm  water,  and  no  discharge  from  the  ulcers  allowed  to  re- 
main on  the  sound  parts.  In  fine  weather,  a  few  hours  lib- 
erty in  an  open  field  (away  from  other  beasts)  will  expedite 
recovery. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Cause. — This  fugative  disease  generally  depends  on  some 
vice  of  development  and  nutrition,  which  perverts  the  general 
state  of  the  organs  and  functions.  As  a  result  of  this  state 
of  things,  there  is  an  accumulation  of  various  excremen- 
titious  matters  in  the  blood,  such  as  lactic  acid,  fibrine  in 
excess,  &c.  It  very  rarely  arises  as  a  primary  and  independ- 
ent disease,  but  usually  follows  or  accompanies  influenza, 
and  other  disorders. 

It  is  not  a  local  but  a  constitutional  derangement,  and  con- 
stantly changes  from  one  part  of  the  body  to  another,  and 
leaves  the  structures  once  affected  very  prone  to  subsequent 
attacks. 

Rheumatism  consists  in  a  specific  inflammation  of  certain 
tissues ;  it  exhibits  its  own  plan  of  morbid  process ;  it  de- 
pends upon  the  peculiar  causes  already  mentioned;  it  is 
diffusible  from  one  part  of  the  body  to  another;  and  it  is 
lastly  self  limited,  the  morbid  process  dying  out  after  a  cer- 
tain time. 

The  tissues  chiefly  attacked  are  the  coverings  of  muscles, 
tendons,  and  ligaments,  the  fibro-serous  textures  of  joints, 
the  valves  of  the  heart,  and,  lastly,  the  structures  of  the 
larger  blood  vessels.  This  disease  is  decidedly  hereditary, 
and  may  be  excited  and  developed  by  various  causes. 

Symptoms. — Rheumatism  is  generally  ushered  in  by 
acute  febrile  symptoms,  with  a  full,  firm,  and  unyielding 
pulse,  the  respiration  and  temperature  are  moderately  in- 
creased, while  the  pain  the  creature  suffers  is  most  intense. 

I 


99 

This  disease  has  a  decided  preference  for  the  neighborhood 
of  joints ;  this  is  seen  in  the  swelled  and  inflamed  appear- 
ance of  those  parts,  in  some  cases  preventing  the  animal 
from  standing,  the  torture  is  so  great — this  gives  rise  to  lame- 
ness, which  is  sometimes  troublesome  to  detect.  During 
attacks  of  this  kind  there  is  an  increased  secretion  of  synovia 
(or  joint  oil) ;  there  is  also  considerable  enlargements,  which 
are  bulged  out,  soft  and  puffy. 

The  disease  is  confined  to  no  particular  locality,  and  con- 
stantly changes  its  place — this  week  it  may  be  in  fore  legs, 
next  week  in  the  hind  legs.  Occasionally  is  located  in  the 
neck,  producing  stiffness  and  inability  to  move  the  head — 
then  it  is  vulgarly  called  the  chords;  sometimes  in  the  fibrous 
coverings  of  the  muscles  of  the  back,  when  it  is  called  lum- 
bago, and  may  eventually  extend  to  the  pericardium  and 
valves  of  the  heart. 

This  disorder  of  the  horse,  when  it  comes  as  a  sequel  to 
other  diseases,  is  often  hard  to  diagnose,  very  obstinate  and 
intractable  to  remedies,  and  generally  brings  very  little 
credit  to  the  veterinary  surgeon.  In  some  rare  instances 
long  exposure  to  cold,  with  bad  feet,  induces  a  kind  of 
rheumatism. 

Treatment. — There  is  little  use  in  external  remedies 
without  trying  first  to  remove  the  cause.  We  have  shown 
that  the  seat  of  the  disease  is  in  the  blood ;  therefore  to  abate 
the  constitutional  symptoms  should  be  the  first  endeavor. 
No  bleeding  is  necessary.  Give  the  animal  a  ball  consisting 
of  four  to  six  drachms  of  aloes  to  mildly  operate  on  the 
bowels.     Then  the  following  : 

(  Oil  of  turpentine    -  -     One  ounce. 

Take  of  <  Saltpetre    -  -  -     Four  drachms. 

(  Pulverized  colchicum         -     One  drachm. 

This  is  one  dose.  Give  it  in  gruel  night  and  morning  for 
at  least  a  week.  Clothe  the  body,  bandage  the  limbs,  and 
if  the  creature  is  so  bad  as  not  to  be  able  to  stand,  put  him 
in  slings.     Together  with  the  above  treatment,  the  limbs 


lOO 


may  be  rubbed  well  with  a  strong  linament  of  ammonia,  or 
apply  mustard  to  the  affected  parts.  Before  applying  them 
let  the  parts  be  well  rubbed  down.  In  cities  where  hot 
vapor  baths  can  be  had  we  can  highly  recommend  them. 

Proper  attention  to  feeding  and  nourishing  the  patient 
will  also  be  required.  As  the  animal  improves  give  tonics 
and  stimulants,  such  as  ammonia  and  gentian. 

WEED  OR  CELLULITIS. 

Cause. — This  lesion,  although  supposed  to  be  confined 
to  either  of  the  hind  limbs,  depends  upon  a  constitutional 
derangement,  and  therefore  we  place  it  among  the  Blood 
Diseases. 

The  first  indication  of  trouble  is  observed  in  one  of  the 
hind  legs  (generally  the  left) ;  there  is  considerable  swelling, 
heat  and  tenderness,  along  the  inside  of  the  leg  so  affected. 
The  causes  producing  this  state  of  things  are  various,  but  it 
is  generally  observed  that  animals  highly  fed  and  irregularly 
worked,  or  creatures  at  constant  hard  work,  left  suddenly 
without  work  or  exercise ;  both  of  these  conditions  may  lead 
to  Weed  or  Cellulitis. 

Similar  effects  are  also  seen  following  exposure  to  wet, 
when  the  secretions  of  the  skin  are  arrested,  especially 
in  horses  of  Ioav  breed  and  coarse  limbs,  as  well  as  those 
in  which  the  muscles  are  soft  and  flabby,  and  the  legs 
round.  These  remarks  apply  particularly  to  many  of  the 
coarse  animals  brought  from  Pennsylvania. 

How  does  this  swelling  and  lameness  supervene,  and  what 
are  the  constitutional  disturbances  which  cause  these  symp- 
toms .^  To  these  questions  we  answer:  that  when  animals 
are  irregularly  worked,  or  not  worked  at  all,  and  at  the  same 
time  highly  fed,  under  these  circumstances  the  food  is  assim- 
ilated in  larger  quantity  than  the  wants  of  the  system  re- 
quire ;  as  these  exists  for  some  time,  the  chyle  so  formed 
accumulates  in  the  absorbent  glands  and  vessels,  which  con- 
sequently becomes  irritated  and  inflamed.     Or  we  may  ex- 


lOI 

press  the  same  facts  more  simply  and  briefly  thus :  this 
swelling  and  lameness  called  Weed  is  produced  by  a  disturb- 
ance in  the  balance  which  naturally  subsists  between  the 
waste  and  repair  of  the  system,  and  the  supply  of  material 
to  repair  that  waste.  After  this  round-about  and  imperfect 
explanation,  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  nature  of  this 
troublesome  disease. 

Symptoms. — The  first  noticeable  sign  of  this  lesion  is 
inflammation,  beginning  in  the  glands  high  up  between  the 
thighs,  and  extending  along  the  absorbent  vessels.  This 
inflammation  gives  rise  to  swelling,  heat  and  tenderness; 
these  are  observed  more  particularly  along  the  inside  of  the 
limbs.  Motion  of  any  kind  is  very  painful  to  the  parts 
affected,  and  lameness  is  the  result.  The  febrile  symptoms 
which  accompany  these  symptoms  are  not  very  well  marked, 
but  there  is  usually  a  full,  bounding  pulse,  and  some  increase 
in  the  temperature  of  the  body. 

I  had  a  case  of  this  kind  last  summer.  The  animal  was 
a  large,  coarse  Pennsylvanian  Horse,  with  very  coarse  limbs 
and  a  large  head.  As  the  inflammation  continued  it  led  to 
the  formation  of  an  abscess  along  the  inner  side  of  the  left 
hind  leg ;  the  swelling  extended  to  the  sheath  and  neighbor- 
ing parts.  When  these  were  in  a  fit  condition  I  scarified 
them,  and  at  least  three  abscesses  formed  before  the  animal 
finally  recovered.  This  creature  was  highly  fed  and  seldom 
worked,  which  is  one  of  the  many  producing  causes  of  weed. 

Treatment. — Some  practitioners  in  such  cases  take 
several  quarts  of  blood  from  their  patients,  but  as  a  general 
rule  no  such  immediate  and  severe  measure  is  necessary. 
We  can  accomplish  equal,  if  not  better,  results  from  a  good 
dose  of  physic.     The  annexed  purge  will  do  very  well : 

Aloes  in  solution       -         -     Six  drachms. 
Calomel   -         -         -         -     One  drachm. 

At  the  same  time  let  the  limb  be  well  fomented  with  warm 
water  for  a  long  time,  and  then  apply  a  flannel  bandage.    If 


abscesses  form  open  them  at  the  proper  tune.  When  recovery- 
takes  place  give  an  ounce  of  saltpetre  once  a  week,  for  a 
fortnight,  in  a  pail  of  water. 

PROFUSE   STALKING  (POLYURIA). 

Cause. — This  can  scarcely  be  called  a  disease,  but  a 
temporary  annoyance  to  the  horse  and  his  owner ;  although, 
if  neglected,  it  may  lead  to  fatal  consequences.  The  exciting 
and  producing  causes  are  many.  Excessive  doses  (especially 
in  their  pure  state)  of  turpentine,  saltpetre,  sweet  spirits  of 
nitre,  and  other  drugs  given  by  stablemen  and  others,  most 
frequently  irritate  the  bladder,  and  produce  this  excessive 
flow  of  urine.  In  very  many  other  instances  it  is  connected 
with  indigestion,  when  it  depends  on  an  impoverished  state 
of  the  blood.  Sometimes,  in  hot  weather,  when  animals  are 
hard  worked  and  drink  inordinate  quantities  of  water,  this 
state  of  things  is  observed.  Profuse  staking  has  often  fol- 
lowed the  use  of  musty  hay  or  oats,  or  grain  that  has  been 
kiln  dried. 

Faulty  feeding  of  all  kinds  aids  in  its  development,  as 
well  as  debilitating  diseases,  such  as  influenza  and  strangles, 
or  by  suppression  of  the  secretions  from  exposure  to  cold,  or 
from  drinking  of  water  very  freely  when  heated  or  exhausted. 

Symptoms. — The  most  prominent  are  excessive  and 
insatiable  thirst — eight  and  ten  pails  a  day  are  not  un- 
common— while  the  quantity  passed  off"  by  the  kidneys 
exceeds  what  has  been  consumed.  The  urine  is  very  abun- 
dant, clear,  colorless,  free  of  sweetness,  and  so  deficient  in 
solid  matter  that  its  specific  gravity  little  exceeds  that  of 
distilled  water.  If  these  symptoms  are  neglected  and  allowed 
to  continue  the  creature  rapidly  falls  off"in  condition,  his  coat 
becomes  rough  and  staring;  his  appetite,  at  first  voracious, 
suddenly  fails ;  the  blood  becomes  deteriorated,  and  if  un- 
checked may  end  in  nephritis  or  glanders. 

Treatment. — Entire  change  of  food  is  necessary,  such 
as  boiled  barley,  scalded  oats,  green  food,  apples  and  carrots. 


I03 

Mix  with  each  feed  two  drachms  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  to 
stop  the  thirst  and  correct  indigestion,  and  give  as  little 
water  as  possible.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated  give  from 
four  to  six  drachms  of  aloes  in  solution.  As  remedial  treat- 
ment give  the  following : 

Give  this  dose  i  Iodide  of  potassium  -  One  drachm. 

three  times  a  <  Iodine       _         _         -  One  scruple. 

day  in  water.  (  Carbonate  of  soda      -  Four  drachms. 
Or  instead  of  the  above  give  one  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution 
of  arsenic  in  a  pint  of  water,  morning  and  evening.     Besides 
all  that  has  been  said,  let  the  animal  be  well  groomed  and 
rubbed  all  over  to  relieve  the  symptoms. 


SCARLATINA. 

Cause. — This  disease  also  comes  under  the  head  of  blood 
diseases,  although  it  is  rather  an  uncommon  one  in  the  horse. 
However,  as  there  are  odd  cases  now  and  then  met  with  in 
our  practice,  it  is  well  to  be  acquainted  with  its  symptoms 
and  the  mode  of  treatment.  It  is  an  eruptive  fever,  like 
strangles,  erysipelas,  &c.  Any  cause  or  causes  that  debili- 
tate or  reduce  the  vital  powers  of  the  animal  system  may, 
where  the  predisposition  exists,  lead  to  scarlatina.  It  very 
often  occurs  as  a  sequel  to  strangles  or  influenza ;  I  have 
seen  odd  cases  supervene  from  the  late  epizootic. 

This  disease  generally  runs  its  course  in  twelve  or  four- 
teen days,  when  good  nursing  and  proper  attention  (in 
ordinary  cases)  expedites  recovery. 

Symptoms. — This  disorder  is  ushered  in  by  dullness, 
febrile  symptoms,  and  "  in  most  instances  with  a  sore  throat. 
The  animal  is  weak  and  unwilling  to  move ;  there  is  some 
muscular  debility ;  the  skin  dry,  harsh  and  hot ;  The  glands 
about  the  head  and  neck  are  swollen  and  tender ;  the  bowels 
and  kidneys  act  very  irregularly  ;  the  breathing  is  quickened 
and  the  pulse  small,  it  may  run  up  to  60 ;  the  temperature 
also  increases  to  io2°-io3°."  These  symptoms  reveal  the 
constitutional  disturbance.     In  two  or  three  days  or  there- 


I04 

abouts  the  mucous  membrane  within  the  nostrils  and  the 
lips  are  studded  with  scarlet  spots  about  the  size  of  a  pea ; 
these,  after  a  little  while,  run  together.  When  these  become 
confluent  there  is  formed  an  effusion  of  blood  under  the  skin 
called  ecchymosis.  In  most  instances  of  this  disorder  similar 
spots  appear  over  the  body,  but  chiefly  about  the  head  and 
neck,  and  are  seen  particularly  in  light  colored  horses.  In 
about  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  the  hair  falls  from  these 
spots  on  the  skin,  and  the  cuticle  scales  away,  leaving  bare 
patches.  Besides  these  symptoms  there  are  others.  Drop- 
sical swellings  appear  about  the  head  and  legs ;  these  are 
not  so  large  as  in  purpura,  neither  are  so  hard  and  painful 
as  those  of  erysipelas ;  they  are  generally  soft  and  pitting  to 
the  touch. 

Treatment. — The  principal  treatment  at  the  outset  of 
the  disease  is  rest  and  good  nursing,  such  as  may  prevent 
untoward  complications.  The  first  thing  required  is  a  cool, 
comfortable,  loose  box-stall,  if  possible.  Bandage  the  legs 
and  put  a  linen  cover  over  the  body  of  the  animal ;  outside 
this  linen  wTapper  a  warm  rug  will  be  required.  The  best 
medicines  in  this  case  are  the  following.  Take  of: 
Muriate  of  ammonia 


c,  ,       ^  ,  one  and  a  half  ounces  of  each. 

Saltpetre 

Gentian  _         _         _         _         _         three  ounces. 

Make  into  six  balls  ;    give  one  night  and  morn. 

After  a  few  days  change  this  to  the  following  treatment : 

o  1    n     i  Carbonate  of  ammonia         -  )  two  ounces  of 
8  balls  -  r>      ^-  11 

(  Gentian      -         -         -         -  j  each. 

Give  one  of  these  balls  night  and  morning. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS 
SYSTEM. 


INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    BRAIN,  OR,  PHRENITIS. 

This  is  rather  an  uncommon  disease  in  the  horse,  but  we 
may  have  slight  congestion  of  the  brain  every  summer  in 
cases  of  sun-stroke  from  the  excessive  light,  heat,  and  over- 
exertion. Phrenitis  is  characterized  by  dullness  and  sleepi- 
ness ;  these  symptoms  soon  pass  on  to  excitement  and 
madness,  which  symptoms  may  be  mistaken  for  stomach 
staggers. 

In  the  case  of  phrenitis  the  pulse  is  strong  and  firm,  not 
slow  and  oppressed,  as  in  stomach  staggers;  the  animal, 
besides,  is  feverish,  more  easily  roused,  and  when  roused  is 
very  excitable.  As  the  sleepy  symptoms,  which  continue 
during  the  stage  of  congestion,  pass  off,  the  eyes  become 
red  and  staring,  the  pulse  quickened,  while  the  animal 
unconsciously  dashes  himself  about  and  endeavors  to  run 
down  any  one  that  comes  in  his  way ;  the  creature  becomes 
unable  to  balance  himself,  and  soon  falls,  blowing,  panting, 
and  struggling.  The  symptoms  generally  extend  from  one 
to  two  or  three  days.  The  pia  mater  is  the  seat  of  the 
disease,  and  is  found  after  death  rough  and  yellow,  with 
lymph  extravasated  between  it  and  the  arachnoid ;  there 
may  be  also  serum  at  the  base  of  the  brain  besides  the  lymph. 

Treatment. — Bleed  at  once  to  the  extent  of  three  or 
four  quarts ;  the  application  of  ice  to  the  head,  tied  up  in  a 
cloth  or  bag,  will  also  do  much  good.  Avoid  all  blistering, 
&c.,  but  have  plenty  of  assistants  to  prevent  the  animal  from 
injuring  himself.  In  addition  to  this  treatment  a  dose  of 
aloes,  along  with  laxative  clysters,  thrown  up  the  rectum, 
will  materially  assist  in  the  recovery. 


io6 

EPILEPSY,  FITS,  OR   THE   FALLING   SICKNESS. 

This  disease  very  rarely  affects  the  horse,  but  is  often  seen, 
especially  in  dogs  and  overfed  pigs.  The  senses  of  sight 
and  of  hearing,  and  of  all  the  brain  functions,  are  suspended, 
and  the  creature  contorted  with  involuntary  spasms. 

Besides  these  symptoms  the  jaws  become  closed,  the 
animal  falls  to  the  ground,  with  the  tongue  protruding,  the 
eyes  rolling,  and  the  legs  thrown  about. 

The  attack  usually  passes  off  within  ten  or  twenty  minutes, 
leaves  the  animal  dull,  and  is  very  apt  to  return.  The 
disease  depends  upon  some  abnormal  state  of  the  brain, 
generally  resulting  from  debility,  plethora,  constipation,  or 
intestinal  worms. 

MEAGRIMS,  OR  VERTIGO. 

This  is  the  term  usually  applied  when  a  horse  at  work 
reels,  and  then  either  stands  for  a  minute  dull  and  stupid, 
or  falls  to  the  ground,  and  lies  there  for  a  few  minutes 
partially  insensible. 

These  attacks  are  usually  periodical,  are  most  frequent 
during  hot  weather,  and  especially  when  the  animal  is  draw- 
ing a  load  up  a  hill,  or  else  exposed  during  heavy  work  to 
the  full  rays  of  a  hot  sun. 

Liability  to  meagrims  constitutes  unsoundness,  but  unfor- 
tunately is  not,  in  ordinary  circumstances,  detectable  by  any 
known  test.  It  differs  both  from  chorea  and  epilepsy  in  the 
absence  of  spasm,  and  most  probably  depends  upon  the 
temporary  stoppage  of  the  circulation,  or  from  the  presence 
of  tumors. 

In  many  instances  it  has  been  traced  to  the  presence  of 
tumors  in  the  choroid  plexus,  sacculous  deposits  in  the  velum 
interpositum,  and  enlargement  of  the  pineal  gland,  and  may 
also,  in  other  cases,  result  from  the  circulation  of  some  blood 
poison. 

Horses  subject  to  this  disease  should  have  a  collar  spe- 
cially fitted  to  prevent  any  pressure  on  the  blood  vessels. 


io7 

RABIES,  OR    HYDROPHOBIA. 

Cause. — This  disease  seems  to  arise  spontaneously  in 
dogs  and  other  members  of  the  canine  and  feline  species, 
and  is  communicable  (which  fact  has  been  attested  by  too 
many  sad  proofs)  to  the  human  species,  by  their  saliva ;  and 
also  to  the  horse,  cow,  and  sheep.  When  man  is  inoculated 
with  this  virus  there  is  always  (a  real  or  supposed)  dread  of 
water  as  one  of  the  symptoms  of  the  disease,  and  hence  the 
name  of  hydrophobia.  It  is  of  great  importance  that  the 
early  signs  of  this  disease  should  be  known  in  the  dog,  in 
order  that  this  dreadful  disorder  might  be  detected  in  time, 
and  so  hinder  the  animal  from  destroying  human  life. 

Symptoms. — Amongst  the  first  symptoms  are  :  excessive 
fawning  and  craving  for  sympathy,  as  manifested  by  the 
strange  conduct  of  the  creature ;  as  the  disease  advances, 
there  is  great  irritability  and  snapping  at  invisible  objects, 
and  a  peculiar  doleful  howl.  In  addition  to  these  symptoms 
there  is  thirst ;  perverted  or  depraved  appetite ;  paralysis  of 
the  muscles  of  deglutition,  interfering  with  the  swallowing 
of  food. 

But  although  the  creature  snaps  almost  involuntarily  at 
objects  near  him,  and  quarrels  with  his  neighbors,  he  is 
seldom  violent  unless  annoyed  or  vexed. 

When  animals  or  men  are  bitten  by  a  rabid  dog  similar 
symptoms  appear.  In  the  horse,  the  animal  trembles  or 
staggers ;  gets  rapidly  furious ;  sometimes  endeavors  to  bite  ; 
but  he  more  generally  attempts  to  run  at,  and  trample  down 
those  persons  that  come  in  his  way. 

The  symptoms  of  hydrophobia  usually  show  themselves 
in  from  two  to  eight  weeks  after  the  animal  or  man  has  been 
bitten.  Besides  other  less  important  post-mortem  appear- 
ances, the  Eustachian  cavities  and  back  part  of  the  throat 
become  highly  vascular,  as  well  as  the  membranes  of  the 
brain  and  upper  part  of  the  spinal  cord. 

Treatment  is  never  attempted  in  our  practice,  as  the 
danger  is   too  great,  and   the   chances  of  success  give  no 


io8 

encouragement  to  make  the  attempt.  It  is  very  different, 
however,  in  the  human  species.  When  a  person  is  bitten  by 
a  rabid  animal,  and  the  poison  is  allowed  to  be  carried 
through  the  system,  no  medicine  will  do  any  good ;  there- 
fore the  only  effectual  remedy  known  is  to  get  rid  of  the 
poison,  if  possible,  the  moment  the  person  is  bitten.  This 
may  be  done  in  several  ways  :  first,  by  putting  a  tight  band- 
age around  the  part,  and  immediately  squeezing  and  sucking 
the  wound  for  several  minutes ;  or  by  pouring  water  contin- 
uously upon  it ;  and,  lastly,  employing  a  caustic  wash. 

LOCK-JAW,  OR   TETANUS. 

Cause, — There  are  two  forms  of  this  disease.  Traumatic 
tetanus  generally  arises  as  the  result  of  some  injury,  such  as 
a  pricked  foot,  saddle  galls,  and  wounds  in  the  neighborhood 
of  nerves  and  ligaments.  A  very  fine  punctured  wound, 
scarcely  noticeable,  is  very  often  followed  by  lock-jaw ; 
whereas  an  injury  from  a  large  spike  of  iron  seldom  has  a 
sequel  of  this  kind. 

The  idiopathic  form  of  lock-jaw  is  caused  by  exposure  to 
wet  and  cold,  by  intestinal  worms,  obstinate  constipation,  &c. 

This  disease  occurs  in  all  animals,  but  particularly  in 
horses  and  sheep.  It  consists  in  a  peculiar  irritable  state  of 
the  spinal  cord,  producing  (tonic)  continued  spasms  of  the 
voluntary  and  involuntary  muscles. 

Symptoms. — In  this  disorder  of  the  creature  the  nose  is 
poked  out,  the  tail  upraised,  the  muscles  hard  and  rigid,  the 
gait  straddling,  and  the  bowels  constipated.  But  the  most 
prominent  and  diagnostic  symptom  is  the  protrusion  of  the 
haw  of  the  eye  called  the  membrana  nictatans,  while  the 
tonic  spasm  of  the  muscles  prevents  the  animal  from  open- 
ing his  mouth  or  swallowing  any  kind  of  food.  The  symp- 
toms in  the  lower  animals  are  not  confined,  as  in  man,  to 
one  set  of  muscles,  or  one  part  of  the  body.  They  come  on 
gradually,  and  reach  their  full  intensity  in  three  or  four  days. 


I09 

while  the  more  rapidly  they  are  developed  the  more  serious 
is  the  case. 

Treatment — In  this  case  is  very  unsatisfactory.  In  very 
many  instances  more  good  has  been  done  by  giving  no  medi- 
cine whatever,  but  simply  keeping  the  creature  in  a  cool, 
airy,  darkeneti  loose  box-stall,  and  allowing  no  noise.  Lock- 
ing the  stable  and  putting  the  key  in  one's  pocket  for  two 
days  has  been  tried  ;  the  perfect  repose  has  done  more  good 
than  medicine  to  restore  the  nervous  system  to  a  healthy 
state. 

Besides  this  plan  the  following  remedies  have  been  applied 
after  clothmg  and  bandaging  the  legs : 

Extract  of  belladonna     -         -     Four  drachms. 
Chloroform     -         -         -         -     One  ounce. 

This    may   be    given    in   water  every  three   hours  (if   it  is 
e  to  open  the  jaws). 


I 


DISEA.SES 


Locomotive  Organs. 


Lamenesses — Including  Founder  (or  Laminitis),  Corns,  Quitters, 
Navicular  Disease,  &c. 

Exostosis — Spavins.  Splints  and  Ringbones. 

Injuries— Sprains,  Capped  Hocks  and  Elbows,  Fractures  and  Dislo- 
cations, Open  Synovial  Joints  and  Cavities,  Broken  Knees,  &c. 

Wounds— Punctured,  Contused,  Abraded,  Lacerated,  Incised. 


LAMENESS  IN  GENERAL. 


These  constitute  a  most  important  class  of  injuries,  com- 
monly named  Lame?iesses,  in  contradistinction  to  the  Sicknesses 
of  the  Horse,  or  diseases  of  the  feet  and  limbs.  Lameness 
is  the  one  symptom  of  these  diseases  most  apparent  to  the 
senses  of  ordinary  people,  and  hence  they  cannot  under- 
stand how  an  animal  may  be  lame  without  having  any  disease, 
or  have  diseased  feet  and  limbs  without  any  perceptible 
lameness.  An  exhaustive  work  on  these  and  kindred  injuries 
would  require  an  octavo  volume  of  800  pages  for  their  eluci- 
dation, and  how  to  compress  within  the  limits  of  a  popular 
work  in  any  lucid  manner  an  understanding  of  their  diag- 
nosis and  treatment  is  far  from  an  easy  performance.  It 
will  be  necessary  to  digress  a  little  from  the  plan  of  this 
little  work  to  enter  very  briefly  into  a  description  of  the 
structure  and  function  of  the  different  tissues  which  enter 
in  the  formation  of  the  horse's  foot.     When  we  consider  the 


112 

amount  of  money  ($500,000,000)  invested  in  equine  property 
in  the  United  States,  and  how  few  Veterinary  Surgeons  are 
to  be  found  in  the  country,  it  can  be  readily  understood  how 
important  it  is  for  stock-raisers,  farmers  and  gentlemen  to 
have  some  correct  idea  of  the  symptoms  and  treatment  of 
the  various  disorders  and  injuries  to  which  these  animals 
are  subject.  It  is  the  aim  of  the  writer  to  supply  such  a 
work  to  the  American  public  as  may  be  safely  referred  to  ij| 
all  emergencies,  and  in  the  absence  of  qualified  Surgeons.    ■ 

There  are  several  cogent  reasons  why  particular  promi- 
nence should  be  given  to  this  class  of  injuries. 

In  the  first  place,  there  are  more  numerous  cases  of  lame- 
ness than  of  any  other  lesion  of  the  horse.  Perhaps  we  may 
safely  affirm  that,  for  every  score  of  sick  horses  there  are  one 
hundred  lame  ones.  In  the  second  instance,  the  differenti| 
diseases  and  injuries  of  these  animals  are  encumbered  witM 
such  absurd  names  as  convey  no  idea  of  their  nature  or 
treatment.  I  have  seen  medical  men  highly  amused  and 
perplexed  when  asking  the  names  of  thiese  lesions,  and  what 
they  meant,  although  familiar  with  most  of  them  under  their 
proper  names. 

The  late  Mr.  Percival,  V.  S.,  in  his  works  on  Hippo- 
pathology,  has  explored  those  high  latitudes  of  Etymology, 
and  traced  for  us  the  origin  and  meaning  of  such  outlandish 
names.  From  his  researches  it  appears  that  John  Bull,  in 
the  days  of  his  childhood  or  stupidity,  forged  the  names,  and 
we  hold  him  responsible  for  this  beside  other  graver  offences. 
In  the  last  place,  these  injuries  which  try  the  skill  of  the 
most  experienced  surgeons  are  confidently  left  in  the  hands 
of  stablemen  or  horseshoers,  and  the  consequence  is  that 
more  harm  is  inflicted  in  one  hour  than  can  be  repaired  in 
a  month.  When  American  gentlemen  are  asked  why  they 
employ  such  persons  to  tinker  with  valuable  property,  (and 
hand  over  noble  animals  during  their  sickness  to  ignorant 
stablemen  or  horseshoers  to  give  whar  destructive  agents 
they  suppose   to    be    right)  ?      Should  we   repeat  the  same 


113 

query  to  the  proprietors  of  the  different  stage  lines  or  rail- 
roads, we  invariably  receive  a  most  extraordinary  answer 
from  both  parties,  and  that  is,  "These  men  have  worked 
around  horses  all  their  lives,  and  therefore  they  are  as  well 
qualified  to  doctor  horses  as  any  surgeon."  This  answer  we 
get  from  men  in  New  York,  Chicago,  or  California,  and  it  is 
very  hard  to  question  either  its  authority  or  infallibility. 

Should  we,  however,  address  the  proprietor  of  a  circus  or 
hippodrome  on  the  same  subject  (Mr.  Barnum,  for  example,) 
he  shall  tell  us  that  his  men  have  spent  their  lives  vaulting 
over  horses'  backs  and  other  feats  of  horsemanship,  and  of 
course  they  are  qualified  to  treat  all  cases  of  disease  in  the 
horse  as  well  as  any  doctor.  Of  these  two  classes  of  persons, 
viz.,  those  who  spend  their  lives  working  around  horses,  and 
those  persons  whose  chief  business  is  vaulting  over  horses' 
backs,  my  own  candid  and  unprejudiced  opinion  is,  that  the 
men  who  spend  their  lives  vaulting  over  horses,  must  surely 
have  better  and  more  exalted  notions  of  the  treatment  of  sick 
horses  than  men  who  merely  work  around  them. 

However,  there  is  a  wonderful  unanimity  of  opinion  be- 
tween these  two  classes  of  surgeons,  (namely  the  men  who 
spend  their  lives  working  around  horses  and  the  men  who 
spend  their  lives  jumping  over  horses),  and  that  is,  that  very 
powerful  remedies  are  always  indicated  in  the  simplest 
"injury  to  which  the  horse  is  subject. 

They  often  disagree  as  to  the  origin  and  diagnosis  of  the 
disease,  but  with  regard  to  the  remedies  they  are  unanimous. 

This  may  be  readily  accounted  for  when  we  glance  at  their 
text  book.  Most  of  the  agents  or  prescriptions  they  employ 
are  taken  from  a  work  entitled  the  "  Quarryman's  Pharmacy." 
They  evidently  believe  that  such  agents  as  are  good  for 
blasting  rocks  must  surely  be  good  for  curing  lame  horses. 

Perhaps  there  are  no  class  of  injuries  requiring  such  prompt 
and  judicious  treatment  as  diseases  of  the  feet  and  limbs  of 
solipedes,  none  more  readily  cured  by  timely  measures,  nor, 
on  the  other  hand,  more  disastrous  results  follow  from  neglect 


114 

or  mismanagement.  The  amount  of  horse  property  from 
these  causes  alone  which  is  annually  lost  to  the  country  is 
beyond  the  belief  of  persons  not  conversant  with  the  subject. 
In  human  surgery  the  proverb  is  not  more  true  than  in  horse 
practice,  that — 

"  For  want  of  timely  care  millions  have  died  of  medicable  wovmds." 
"  L'occasion  est  urgente,  le  jugement  difficile." 

Lameness  in  General. — Lameness,  as  a  symptom  of  dis- 
ease, may  exist  either  in  the  fore  or  hind  legs,  anywhere  from 
the  shoulder  or  hip  to  the  foot,  although  it  is  more  frecpiently 
seen  in  the  fore  than  in  the  hind  legs.  This  is  true,  espe- 
cially when  the  lameness  is  a  mere  local  injury,  and  not  the 
result  of  constitutional  derangement  in  such  diseases  as  in- 
fluenza or  spinal  meningitis.  The  various  degrees  of  lame- 
ness have  received,  in  horsemen's  language,  the  following 
names  : 


Local  defects  or  injuries, 


Tenderness, 
Stiffness, 
Lameness, 
Dead  lame, 
Broken  down. 


When  the  lameness  arises  from  constitutional  derangement 
they  call  it  weakness ;  it  is  caused  by  pain  often  of  the  most 
intense  kind.  When  a  horse  walks  lame  he  must  suffer  the 
most  intense  agony. 

It  is  no  easy  matter  sometimes  to  find  out  which  limb  the 
lameness  is  in,  especially  wherf  it  is  a  slight  lameness.  This 
is  best  discovered  by  putting  the  animal  to  a  sharp  trot  to 
and  from  the  person  examining  the  animal.  When  the  limb 
so  lamed  is  found  by  the  action  of  the  horse,  the  seat  of  the 
injury  may  be  discovered  while  he  is  at  rest.  When  lame- 
ness is  in  either  one  or  both  of  the  fore  feet  there  is  a  pecu- 
liar nodding  or  dipping  of  the  head  at  every  step,  so  that  a 
person  sitting  in  the  back  of  a  car,  where  he  can  only  see 
the  top  or  ears  of  the  animal's  head,  can  say  directly  that 
horse  is  lame.     When  the  lameness  is  in  either  or  both  hind 


115 

legs  there  is  a  curious  dropping  or  jerking  of  the  croup,  so 
that  we  can  easily  discern  that  the  lameness  is  in  the  hind 
legs.  The  leg  on  which  an  animal  "  drops  "  is  not  the  lame 
one  hut  its  fellow.  The  nature  of  the  lameness  is  next  to  be 
determined,  but  as  this  would  lead  us  into  the  subject  of 
examination  for  Soundness,  in  opposition  to  Lameness,  we 
shall  be  obliged  to  pass  on  to  our  consideration  of  the  dif- 
ferent diseases  of  the  locomotive  organs. 

In  the  treatment  of  these  diseases  by  unprofessional  per- 
sons there  are  several  important  facts  not  so  much  as  dreamt 
of  by  these  ignorant  and  presumptuous  men,  namely,  that 
symptomatic  fever  accompanies  most  of  these  diseases,  in 
some  excessive  suppuration,  in  others  secondary  haemorr- 
hage, some  of  which  may  end  in  gangrene  of  the  parts,  or 
Tetanus. 

STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE'S  FOOT. 

The  anatomical  foot  of  cpiadrupeds  (comi)ared  with  man) 
extends  from  the  knee  (or  wrist)  of  the  fore  leg  (or  fore  arm) 
to  the  toe  (or  finger  end),  and  from  the  hock  (or  heel)  to  the 
toe  of  the  hind  leg,  the  three  pastern  joints  corresponding 
to  the  three  joints  of  the  middle  finger.  However,  in  point 
of  adaptation  and  use,  the  foot  may  be  considered  as  em- 
bracing only  those  parts  within  and  immediately  above  the 
hoof  of  the  horse.  Should  we  compare  the  anatomy  of  the 
extremities  of  the  horse  with  other  animals  wc  shall  find  that 
while  the  horse  has  only  one  finger  (or  toe)  the  elephant  has 
five  (the  same  as  our  own  species),  the  hippopotamus  four, 
the  rhinoceros  three,  the  ox-tribe  two,  the  horse  one  finger  (or 
toe),  hence  he  has  received  the  name  of  Solipede.  In  order 
that  the  general  public  and  owners  of  horseflesh  may  have  a 
better  understanding  of  the  structure  and  function  of  the 
different  tissues  which  enter  into  the  composition  of  this 
animal's  foot,  I  shall  very  briefly  name  the  external  and 
internal,  or  the  parts  that  can  be  seen  without  dissection  and 
those  that  cannot. 


ii6 


External  parts.     The  hoof  consists  of  these  parts,  namely  ; 
The  wall  or  crust  of  hoof, 
The  horny  sole. 
The  frog, 
The  lateral  cartilages. 

The  wall  is  divided  into — 
The  toe. 
The  quarters. 
The  heels  and  bars, 
The  superior  or  coronary  border. 
Inferior  or  solar  border. 
The  horny  laminae. 

The  sole  includes  (besides  itself  which  forms  the  ground 
surface  of  the  hoof) — 

The    bars,   which  are  only  parts  of  the  wall  turned 

backwards  and  downwards, 
The  frog  and  cleft  of  the  frog, 

The  commissures  and  the  arch  of  the  commissures. 
The  frog  stay. 

The  internal  parts  are  made  up  of — 
The  coffin  bone  (or  os-pedis). 
The  navicular  bone, 
The  fatty  frog  or  plantar  cushion, 
The  sensitive  laminae, 
The  insertion  of  tendons. 
Nerves  and  blood-vessels. 

Immediately  above  and  around  the  top  of  the  hoof  is  the 
coronary  band,  and  underneath  it  a  highly  vascular  tissue, 
of  which  I  shall  speak  hereafter,  called  the  coronary  subs- 
tance. 

The  three  parts  of  which  the  hoof  is  composed  can  easily 
be  separated  either  by  maceration  or  boiling,  namely,  the 
wall,  the  sole  and  the  frog. 

The  wall  is  all  that  part  of  the  hoof  that  is  visible  below 
the  hair  when  the  foot  is  placed  on  the  ground;  it  is  thicker 


117 

and  deeper  at  the  toe,  gradually  decreasing  at  the  quarters, 
until  it  is  quite  thin  as  it  approaches  the  heels. 

The  wall  of  the  hoof  occupies  nearly  two-thirds  of  the 
front  of  the  hoof,  and  in  good  shaped  feet  has  an  inclination 
of  45  degrees,  any  degree  greater  or  less  than  this  causes 
either  weakness  or  malformation. 

The  quarters  are  the  portions  on  each  side,  midway  be- 
tween the  toe  and  heel,  and  are  known  as  the  inside  and 
the  outside  quarters.  The  heels  are  two  protuberant  por- 
tions of  the  wall  by  which  it  is  terminated  behind. 

The  bars,  we  have  already  said,  are  only  reflections  of  the 
wall  in  towards  the  centre  of  the  foot  on  its  ground  surface. 
The  bars  can  be  easily  separated  from  the  sole  by  macera- 
tion, but  they  are  inseparable  from  the  wall.  In  unshod  feet 
the  bars  have  a  direct  bearing  on  the  ground. 

The  sole  fills  the  space  between  the  wall  and  the  bars. 
It  is  in  the  form  of  an  irregular  arched  plate,  the  concave 
portion  of  which  is  turned  towards  the  ground.  It  is  firmly 
attached  by  its  outer  convex  edge  to  the  inner  surface  of  the 
solar  border  of  the  wall,  while  its  inner  straight  edges  are 
attached  to  the  bars.  The  centre  of  the  sole  is  its  thinnest 
part,  and  constitutes  the  summit  of  the  arch.  The  outer  and 
lower  circumference  of  the  arch,  which  is  invariably  the 
thickest  and  strongest,  everywhere  abuts  against  the  sides  of 
the  wall.  The  object  of  this  admirable  arrangement  is  very 
apparent :  at  every  step  of  the  horse,  as  the  weight  is  thrown 
upon  the  foot,  the  coffin  bone  descends  and  presses  upon 
the  arch  of  the  horny  sole,  causing  the  arch  to  yield  and 
descend,  but  as  the  sole  abuts  against  the  wall  it  presses  the 
heels  outwards,  which  considerably  increases  the  surface  on 
which  the  pressure  is  laid.  No  sooner  is  the  weight  taken 
off  the  limb  than  the  wall  springs  back,  and  the  sole  regains 
its  arched  form.  By  this  wise  arrangement  the  step  is  ren- 
dered elastic,  and  all  injury  to  the  sensitive  sole  or  plantain 
cushion  is  prevented. 

The  frog  is  a  wedge-like  mass  filling  the  angular  space 


ii8 


between  the  bars,  and  consists,  not  of  solid  horn,  but  of  a 
series  of  elastic  arches ;  the  base  of  the  frog  lies  between 
and  connects  the  posterior  curved  portions  of  the  hoof,  and 
limits  to  some  extent  their  action. 

The  elasticity  of  the  step  of  the  horse  is  the  result  of  a 
most  harmonious  and  complicated  arrangement,  namely, 
the  elasticity  of — 

The  sensitive  laminae, 

The  sensitive  sole, 

The  horny  w^all. 

The  arch  of  the  sole,  and 

The  triple  spring, 
formed  by  the  foldings  of  the  frog  and  the  manner  of  its 
union  with  the  bars. 

The  internal  parts  of  the  hoof  (or  horny  box)  are  the 
coffin  bone,  the  navicular  bone,  the  fatty  frog  (or  plantain 
cushion),  beside  other  tissues  yet  to  be  mentioned. 

Immediately  joining  and  below  the  short  or  lower  pastern 
(os  coronae,  which  is  nearly  square  in  form)  is  the  coffin 
bone  (os  pedes).  This  bone  has  a  body  and  wings,  and  to 
these  wings  are  attached  the  lateral  cartilages  of  the  hoof 
which  are  seen  on  the  outside  and  form  part  of  the  heels. 
It  is  light  and  spongy  in  texture,  perforated  with  numerous 
canals,  through  which  numerous  blood-vessels  and  nerves 
are  abundantly  distributed  to  the  highly  vascular  tissues 
that  surround  it  on  all  sides.  Behind  the  coffin  bone,  and 
lying  in  its  concavity,  is  a  small  bone  of  peculiar  shape  called 
the  navicular  bone. 

We  have  merely  named  and  glanced  at  the  anatomy  of 
the  horse's  foot;  a  complete  scientific  work  on  this  subject 
would  require  a  large  volume  itself.  Our  object  in  this  little 
work  is  not  so  much  the  structure  as  the  functions  of  those 
parts  which  are  constantly  the  seat  of  disease,  and  come 
under  our  observation  every  day  in  diseases  of  the  feet. 
The  parts  we  have  already  described  are  only  horny  or  bony 
tissues,  which,  except  in  cases  of  fracture,  are  seldom  the 
seat  of  disease. 


119 

We  now  come  to  the  vascular  or  sensitive  tissues  within 
the  hoof,  which  are  subject  to  so  many  diseases. 

Molded  upon  the  entire  surface  of  the  coffin  bone  is  a 
thick  villous,  highly  vascular  and  sensitive  tissue,  which  is 
commonly  called  the  "  sensitive  foot,"  but  also  having  several 
distinct  local  names,  according  to  the  particular  part  it 
covers.  This  tissue  is  nothing  more  than  an  expansion  of 
the  dermis  (or  true  skin),  or  it  may  be  said  to  be  a  process 
from  the  skin,  somewhat  altered  in  its  structure  to  adapt  it 
to  the  secretion  of  horn ;  it  is  analogous  in  many  respects  to 
that  part  of  the  skin  which  produces  the  nails  in  the  human 
species.  This  tissue  has  the  following  local  names  :  when  it 
surrounds  the  top  of  the  hoof  it  is  called  the  "  coronary  sub- 
stance;" covering  the  coffin  bone,  the  "sensitive  laminoe;" 
covering  the  sole,  the  "sensitive  sole;"  the  frog,  the  "sensi- 
tive frog."  This  vascular  tissue  has  for  its  function  the 
secretion  of  horn  ;  for  this  purpose  it  is  thickly  studded  with 
secreting  papillae,  and  forms  as  well  as  repairs  the  horny 
wall  and  sole  of  the  roof.  According  to  Virchow  each 
papillae  corresponds  to  one  of  the  horny  laminae.  The  sen- 
sitive laminae,  as  it  covers  the  coffin  bone,  is  arranged  in  500 
or  600  folds  side  by  side,  for  which  reason  it  is  called  laminae. 
These  sensitive  folds  of  the  laminae  fit  into  the  horny  laminae, 
and  form  so  many  springs  giving  and  reinforcing  the  elas- 
ticity of  the  foot.  This  tissue,  when  constituting  the  sen- 
sitive sole,  averaging  one  eighth  of  an  inch,  is  thinner  over 
the  frog  and  thicker  over  the  heels,  and  is  even  more  vascular 
than  where  it  covers  the  coffin  bone.  It  is  closely  connected 
with  the  fibrous  tissue  of  the  sensitive  laminae  in  front  and 
the  covering  of  the  heels  and  frog  behind,  and  from  it  the 
horny  sole  and  frog  are  secreted.  The  manner  in  which  the 
wall  of  the  foot  is  formed  is  the  following :  the  outer  layer 
of  horn,  which  is  firm,  hard,  and  dark  of  color,  is  secreted 
and  grows  downward  from  the  coronary  substance  ;  it  is  also 
thinner  and  tougher  than  what  is  secreted  by  the  papillae  of 
the  laminae.     The  inside  layer  of  horn  grows  outwards  from 


I20 


and  is  secreted  by  the  tissue  covering  the  coffin  bone ;  it  is 
soft,  thick,  and  light  of  color.  These  different  kinds  of  horn, 
in  a  healthy  foot,  interlace  with  each  other  as  they  grow,  and 
unite  to  form  one  solid  substance.  The  union  of  these 
secretions  forms  a  thick,  elastic  and  strong  body,  to  which 
an  iron  shoe  can  be  safely  nailed,  and  whereon  the  enormous 
bulk  of  the  horse's  frame  may  with  safety  rest. 

We  have  already  said  that  there  is  attached  to  the  wings 
of  the  coffin  bone  the  lateral  cartilages;  these  give  form, 
substance,  and  elasticity  to  the  heels  upwards.  This  widely 
distributed  tissue  passes  downwards  and  fills  up  all  the 
sinuosities,  and  takes  strong  attachments  to  the  processes 
of  the  coffin  bone.  These  lateral  cartilages  then  pass  hori- 
zontally inwards,  passing  over  the  horny  sole  and  bars,  and 
intimately  unites  with  the  sensitive  frog  or  plantar  cushion. 
This  sensitive  frog  fits  admirably  into  the  horny  frog,  and 
forms  a  pad  or  cushion. 

The  immediate  purpose  of  these  cartileges  are  :  ist.  The 
interposition  of  this  elastic  tissue  between  the  hard  hoof 
and  the  hard  bone,  and  prevent  shock  and  concussion  as 
the  foot  strikes  the  ground;  2d,  It  equalizes  the  pressure  of 
the  bones  of  the  foot  on  the  broader  surface  of  the  hoof; 
3d,  It  allows  more  play  and  motion  to  the  heels  at  every 
step. 

We  thus  perceive  that  within  the  horny  box  or  hoof  there 
are  very  different  kinds  of  tissue,  namely,  fascia,  cartilage, 
cellular,  and  fibro-cellular  tissue,  vessels  and  nerves,  be- 
sides the  coffin  and  navicular  bones.  Without  some  under- 
standing of  the  structure  and  function  of  these  sensitive  tis- 
sues it  is  impossible  to  understand  the  seat  and  nature  of 
the  diseases  to  which  the  foot  is  subject,  nor  their  successful 
treatment.  As  examples  of  the  diseases  to  which  these  tis- 
sues are  subject  we  may  state  here  that  when  the  coronary 
substance  is  divided  by  a  sharp  instrument  or  any  accident, 
we  have  a  division  in  the  wall  of  the  hoof  to  a  certain  depth ; 
when  it  is  lacerated  or  part  of  it  torn  away,  false  quarter  is 


121 


the  result ;  when  there  is  tread  or  overreach  injuring  this 
delicate  tissue  we  have  excessive  suppuration,  and  in  bad 
cases  false  and  excessive  granulations  which  sometimes  defy 
all  treatment ;  when  the  laminae  is  the  seat  of  inflammation 
from  overwork  or  other  cause  we  have  founder,  fever  in  the 
feet,  or  more  properly  laminitis — this  disease,  if  neglected, 
may  terminate  in  seedy-toe  or  pumiced  foot. 

When  the  sensitive  sole  is  pricked  slightly,  we  have  inflam- 
mation of  the  tissue  which  may  end  in  necrosis,  or  tetanus ; 
bruise  of  sole  leads  to  corns;  other  lesions  of  the  sole  are 
thrush  and  canker. 

Injuries  of  the  sensitive  frog,  whether  by  puncture  or 
otherwise,  cause  quittor;  in  general  the  seat  of  this  disease 
is  the  frog ;  the  product  of  the  inflammation  is  forced  up- 
wards, and  forms  an  outlet  above  the  side  of  the  hoof,  which 
has  received  the  absurd  name  of  "quittor."  The  patho- 
logical name  for  quittor  is  fibro-chondritis. 

Besides  these  there  are  diseases  of  the  navicular  bone  and 
ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages.  The  cause,  symptoms, 
and  mode  of  treatment  indicated  in  each  of  these  diseased 
conditions  will  be  explained  separately  in  their  proper  place. 

Each  and  all  of  these  vascular  and  delicate  tissues  are 
subject  to  disease  from  various  injuries.  When  we  reflect 
on  the  various  kinds  of  severe  work  horses  have  to  perform, 
the  kind  of  roads  they  have  to  travel  over,  and  the  abominable 
styles  of  shoes  in  vogue  in  many  cities,  we  can  hardly  be 
surprised  at  the  result.  As  to  the  roads,  they  seem  to  have 
been  constructed  for  the  special  purpose  of  breaking  springs 
of  carriages  and  permanently  injuring  the  feet  of  horses. 
The  shoes  with  which  horses  are  shod  are  far  too  heavy,  and 
too  often  the  foot  is  made  to  fit  the  shoe,  and  not  the  shoe 
adapted  to  the  particular  shape  of  the  foot. 

Horses  are  trained  to  such  different  kinds  of  exercise  and 
work,  and,  as  a  general  rule,  do  not  lie  down  as  composedly 
as  other  animals,  so  that  the  feet  seldom  have  a  chance  of 
that  rest  and  relief  which  tired  nature  demands.     We  have 


the  trotting  horse,  which  batters  his  feet  on  the  hard  stones 
at  a  terrible  rate,  and  in  order  to  give  him  high  action,  there 
is,  in  addition  to  the  iron  shoe  (which  is  so  many  pounds 
weight),  another  lovely  invention,  v/hich  consists  of  a  piece 
of  leather  strapped  around  the  pasterns  and  containing  so 
many  ounces  or  pounds  of  lead  as  the  caprice  of  the  owner 
requires.  No  doubt,  there  is  high  action  for  some  time,  but 
the  consequence  is  that  one  of  these  horses  will  wear  out 
two  pairs  of  feet  in  three  or  four  years. 

As  a  racer,  the  animal  has  to  strain  every  nerve  and  sinewj 
so  that  sprain  of  the  tendons  or  rupture  of  some  important 
part  is  not  unfrequent.  The  truck  horse,  as  well  as  the 
hack  for  carriages,  is  constantly  on  his  mettle,  and  often 
beaten  without  mercy  or  humanity.  Thus,  as  an  animal  of 
action,  labor,  and  speed,  it  is  no  wonder  that  there  are  so 
many  diseases  of  the  feet  and  limbs. 

ACUTE    LAMINITIS. 

FEVER  IN  THE  FEET,  FOUNDER. 

This  disease  of  the  horse  is  supposed  to  be  known  by 
every  man  that  works  around  stables,  every  coachman  or 
horseshoer  knows  all  about  its  seat,  and  nature,  and  each  of 
these  has  a  remedy  which  is  powerful  if  not  efficacious.  It 
is  hoped  that  from  the  explanation  given  in  a  former  chapter 
as  to  the  structure  and  function  of  these  parts  which  are  the 
subject  of  injury,  it  can  be  easily  understood  that  it  is  not 
every  inexperienced  person  who  understands  the  treatment 
of  this  and  kindred  diseases  of  the  horse's  foot.  We  under- 
stand by  Laminitis  inflammation  of  the  laminae  which  cov- 
ers the  coffin  bone ;  but  in  nearly  all  cases  of  this  kind  the 
inflammation  is  not  confined  to  this  alone,  but  extends  to 
the  whole  of  the  sensitive  foot.  This  tissue  is  confined  be- 
tween the  coffin  bone  and  the  horny  hoof,  and  this  fact  of 
itself  considerably  aggravates  the  inflammation  and  the  pro- 
ducts of  that  inflammation. 


123 

Fever  in  the  Feet. — By  this  we  express  the  symptom- 
atic fever  that  always  accompanies  this  disease,  of  which 
these  ignorant  persons  imagine  that  it  is  purely  local,  and 
that  the  system  in  general  is  unaffected,  which  error  is  con- 
tradicted by  the  indications  of  the  pulse,  respiration  and 
temperature,  all  of  which  are  considerably  increased. 

Founder. — This  expression  denotes  the  utterly  helpless 
condition  of  the  horse  by  which  he  is  brought  to  the  ground, 
(fundus,)  grounded,  totally  disabled  for  the  time. 

Percival  quotes  Chaucer  in  confirmation  of  the  origin  and 
meaning  of  the  word, 

"  His  hors  lepte  aside  and  foundered  as  he  lepte," 
that  is,  fell  to  the  ground,  as  a  ship  is  said  to  founder. 

Horses  are  by  no  means  the  only  animals  subject  to  this 
disease.  Steers  and  milk  cows,  driven  long  journeys,  in  hot 
weather,  are  often  attacked  the  next  day  with  fever  in  the 
feet,  and  require  to  be  treated  accordingly. 

There  are  three  forms  of  this  disease,  Acute,  Sub-Acute, 
and  Chronic  Laminitis.  We  may  briefly  state  (for  long 
articles  are  tiresome  and  hateful),  that  by  these  several  ex- 
pressions are  meant  the  different  degrees  of  inflammation  to 
which  these  parts  are  subject.  These  vary  in  their  intensity 
from  simple  congestion  of  the  parts  to  the  most  severe  and 
disorganizing  inflammation.  In  the  'chronic  form,  there  is 
enlargement  of  the  blood  vessels.  The  sensibility  of  the 
parts  are  increased.  There  is  heat,  redness,  pain,  and  swell- 
ing, which  render  animals  very  irritable,  but  without  exuda- 
tion, which  is  the  product  of  ordinary  inflammation.  I  need 
hardly  say  that  an  animal  affected  in  this  way  is  of  little  use 
to  his  owner,  and  the  most  merciful  thing  to  do  is  either 
not  to  work  or  destroy  him. 

It  is  only  in  rare  cases  that  there  is  an  attack  of  laminitis 
in  which  both  the  hind  and  fore  feet  are  together  the  subject 
of  acute  inflammation,  and  only  once  in  a  lifetime  do  we 
meet  a  case  where  the  hind  feet  alone  are  affected.  There- 
fore we   may  suppose   that  when   an  animal   is   said   to  be 


124 

foundered  we  expect  only  to  find  the  fore  feet  involved, 
although  in  some  instance  the  hind  feet  suffer  from  the  ad- 
ditional burden  cast  upon  them. 

The  Causes  of  Laminitis  are  various  and  easily  under- 
stood. In  the  first  place  we  may  state  that  young  horses 
newly  brought  from  the  country,  where  their  feet  are  mostly 
in  contact  with  cool  clay,  these  when  taken  into  cities  are 
put  to  severe  work  on  the  hard  roads  without  any  prepara- 
tion, especially  if  the  weather  is  hot.  (Animals  treated  in 
this  way  generally  have  an  attack  of  acute  laminitis).  Exam- 
ples of  this  sort  are  of  everday  occurrence.  In  the  second 
place,  animals  with  high  stamping  action,  such  as  trotting 
horses,  after  battering  their  feet  for  several  hours  on  such 
material  as  the  Belgian  blocks  with  which  our  streets  are 
paved,  are  not  unlikely  to  have  an  attack  of  this  kind. 
Stress  and  violence  done  to  the  feet  by  whatever  method  are 
usually  accompanied  by  overheating  and  exhausting  of  ani- 
mals. When  in  this  condition  they  are  allowed  to  stand 
exposed  to  cold  or  damp,  or  worse  still,  given  long  drinks  of 
cold  water.  When  these  things  are  permitted  it  is  no  won- 
der that  the  delicate  tissues  within  the  hoof  are  the  seat  of 
acute  inflammation.  In  the  third  place,  excessive  feeding 
or  gorging  on  nutritious  food,  such  as  oats,  especially  in 
young  and  plethoric  animals,  has  often  caused  this  disease. 
The  history  of  many  of  these  cases  is  that  animals  breaks 
loose  at  night,  and  eat  to  excess  such  grain  as  barley,  rye,  or 
wheat,  and  the  next  morning  are  found  with  fever  in  the 
feet.  In  the  fourth  instance,  inflammation  of  the  lungs  or 
bowels  may  change  its  seat  and  attack  the  feet;  this  is  called 
Metastasis.  Hence  we  perceive  that  laminitis  may  have  a 
constitutional  as  well  as  a  local  cause  operating  to  produce 
the  disease.  In  the  fifth  and  last  instance,  it  may  follow 
from  standing  for  a  great  length  of  time  on  railroads  or 
steamboats,  without  a  chance  of  lying  down  when  the  nerv- 
ous system  is  exhausted,  and  it  also  follows  attacks  of  rheu- 
matism and  of  influenza. 


125 

Symptoms  of  Laminilis. — The  acute  form  of  this  dis- 
ease, as  a  general  rule,  comes  on  rather  slowly  and  is  chiefly 
confined  to  the  fore  feet.  Horses,  after  a  hard  day's  trot- 
ting, hunting,  or  working,  during  which  the  feet  are  more  or 
less  violently  exercised,  are  usually  seen  the  next  morning 
suffering  from  this  disease.  Hours  before  the  animal  has 
shown  the  peculiar  symptoms  of  founder  his  gait  is  changed, 
he  is  said  to  fumble,  by  trying  to  tread  more  on  his  heels 
than  on  his  toes ;  but  this  is  not  always  manifest.  The  time 
and  symptoms  vary  in  many  instances.  When  called  to  see 
a  case  of  this  kind,  the  first  view  of  the  patient  is  often 
enough  to  diagnose  the  disease,  without  putting  a  hand  on 
the  patient,  especially  if  he  is  in  a  standing  position.  The 
animal  is  trembling  or  quivering  all  over,  from  the  extreme 
violence  of  the  pain ;  the  eyes  are  glaring,  the  nostrils  dis- 
tended, and  the  flanks  agitated  to  an  unusual  degree.  In 
order  to  relieve  the  agony  he  brings  the  hind  feet  as  far 
under  the  trunk  as  possible,  to  take  the  pressure  off  the  fore 
feet,  which  are  thrust  forward  to  an  unusual  degree.  Should 
we  urge  or  force  the  creature  to  move,  he  shows  the  greatest 
unwillingness.  This  he  does  by  shuffling  the  hind  feet  under 
him,  and  the  effort  is  accompanied  by  blowing  and  panting? 
as  he  makes  a  sort  of  timid  leap  forward.  When  the  inflam- 
mation extends  to  the  whole  four  feet,  the  symptoms  are 
more  aggravated,  and  the  creature  is  more  at  ease  lying 
down. 

As  we  proceed  to  a  local  examination  of  the  parts  affected, 
we  shall  find  there  intense  inflammation.  Placing  the  hand 
around  the  hoof,  or  on  the  sole  and  frog,  they  are  hot  to  the 
touch,  even  though  the  wall  and  sole  are  so  thick,  which 
facts  show  the  violence  of  the  inflammation.  Throbbing  of 
the  pastern  arteries  is  another  well  marked  symptom,  for 
they  pulsate  violently  under  pressure.  Besides  these  local 
there  are  the  constitutional  symptoms.  These  are  indicated 
by  the  pulse,  respiration  and  temperature,  and  give  rise  to 
the  symptomatic  fever,  which  in  greater  or  less  degrees  al- 


126 


ways  accompanies  Laminitis.  The  pulse  often  rises  from 
70  to  80  beats  per  miuute.  The  respiration,  increased  and 
hurried,  is  easily  seen  by  the  dilatation  of  the  nostrils  and 
the  heaving  of  the  flanks.  The  temperature  increases  any- 
whQve  from  10 1-5.  These  indications  of  high  fever  con- 
siderably complicate  the  condition  of  the  creature. 

The  Symptoms  of  Fever  are  known  by 
The  excited  and  anxious  look ; 
The  hot  breath ; 
The  parched  mouth  ; 
Hurried  respiration ; 
Muscular  debility; 

Diminution  in  the  bulk  of  the  excretions ; 
The  high  pulse. 

These  symptoms,  together  with  the  increased  heat  of  the 
whole  body,  and  the  continual  desire  for  change  of  posture, 
manifest  the  constitutional  disturbance,  (which  has  to  be 
combated  in  our  treatment,)  as  well  as  the  local  inflamma- 
tion of  the  feet,  which  is  the  seat  of  the  disease. 

Terminations  of  Laminitis. — As  we  proceed  to  treat 
of  the  different  terminations  of  this  disease,  it  may  not  be 
out  of  place  to  bring  to  our  remembrance  the  structure  of 
the  parts  aff'ected.  Here  we  have  a  highly  vascular  tissue 
which  is  the  subject  of  acute  inflammation.  This  is  tightly 
compressed  between  the  horny  hoof  and  the  coffin  bone ; 
beside  that  part  which  is  pressed  against  the  sole  while  the 
creature  is  in  a  standing  position.  In  this  case,  where  the 
laminae  is  firmly  bound  down  by  the  unyielding  hoof,  there 
is  no  room  for  exudation  and  swelling,  and  consequently  the 
pain  and  fever  are  considerably  aggravated. 

The  acute  form  of  this  disease  may  have  at  least  five 
terminations : 

First. — It  may  terminate  in  an  entire  disappearance  of  all 
the  symptoms,  and  complete  recovery.  This  sometimes 
fortunately  happens  if  the  case  is  taken  in  time,  when  rest 


127 

and  proper  measures  are  used.  This  most  desirable  result 
is  called  Resolution. 

Second. — It  may  pass  into  a  chronic  condition,  in  which 
all  the  symptoms  are  of  a  mitigated  character.  In  such 
instances,  when  the  animal  is  quiet,  the  pain  is  slight  and 
the  heat  is  little,  if  any,  in  excess  of  the  natural  state.  If 
the  animal  is  allowed  rest  upon  a  soft  floor,  or  is  turned  out 
to  grass,  the  lameness  is  not  very  apparent ;  but  if  driven  on 
a  hard  road  at  any  speed  the  lameness  is  soon  discovered. 

Third. — The  inflammation  may  end  in  suppuration,  which 
may  be  confined  to  a  portion  of  the  soft  tissues  of  the  foot, 
and  eventuate  in  a  partial  recovery ;  or  it  may  be  so  severe 
and  extensive  as  to  force  asunder  the  horny  and  the  sensi- 
tive laminse.  Under  those  circumstances  the  hoof  may  be 
lost ;  or,  if  not,  the  coffin  bone  may  be  displaced  from  its 
attachments  and  fall  down,  producing  what  is  known  as 
pumiced  foot. 

The  fourth  termination  of  laminitis  is  what  is  known  as 
metastasis.  This  occasional  change  of  seat  of  a  disease  is 
sometimes  seen  in  our  practice.  The  inflammation  in  these 
cases  may  leave  the  feet  and  attack  the  pleura,  lungs,  or 
brain. 

The  fifth  and  last  issue  of  this  disease,  when  the  inflam- 
mation is  very  acute  and  intense,  is  mortification.  In  such 
instances  death  soon  relieves  the  creature  from  its  sufferings 

Treatment  of  Laminitis  or  Founder. — This  may 
be  considered  the  most  important  part  of  the  subject.  If 
we  consider  the  tens  of  thousands  of  animals  in  the  United 
States  alone  that  are  afiflicted  with  this  disease  every  season, 
and  contemplate  the  number  that  are  hopelessly  ruined  by 
quackery,  it  is  something  worth  investigating,  for  it  is  a 
national  loss. 

In  recommending  the  latest  and  most  improved  treat- 
ment, namely,  "  What  to  do  in  such  cases,"  it  may  be  very 
proper  here  to  state  our  disapproval,  or,  in  other  words, 
"  What  not  to  do  in  laminitis."     For  this  purpose  our  know- 


Don't< 


128 


ledge  of  anatomy,  physiology,  pathology,  and  therapeutics 
are  required  in  this  as  well  as  every  other  malady  of  the 
horse.     Therefore  in  this  instance  we  say — 

bleed  in  every  case. 
seton  the  frog, 
rasp  away  the  crust  or  sole, 
blister  the  coronet, 
open  the  toe  or  plantar  vein, 
^give  large  doses  of  aloes. 

The  six  cautions  will  be  sufficient  for  all  sensible  men. 

In  this  disease  we  have,  if  possible,  to  remedy  both  the 
constitutional  and  local  symptoms.  In  the  former  we  must 
try  to  lower  the  pulse  and  abate  the  fever,  and  then  relieve 
the  fever  of  the  feet.  To  effect  this  object,  bleeding,  where 
it  may  be  done  with  safety,  is  the  quickest  way,  but  unfor- 
tunately it  can't  be  done  except  in  very  few  cases.  When 
and  how  to  take  blood  from  an  animal  is  treated  of  in  my 
"  treatment  "  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  so  I  need  not 
repeat  it  here,  but  refer  the  reader  to  that  article.  The 
same  applies  to  this  as  well  as  other  diseases  of  the  horse. 
However,  I  may  say  in  passing,  that  two  to  four  quarts  of 
blood  may  be  taken  from  a  patient,  provided  he  is  young,  in 
high  condition,  and  in  the  very  outset  of  the  attack.  The 
amount  must  be  regulated  by  the  falling  of  the  pulse.  In 
all  other  instances  it  is  not  advisable  to  bleed,  for  then  we 
shall  do  more  harm  than  good.  This  stage  of  founder  may 
be  called  the  congestive  stage,  for  exudation  has  not  yet 
taken  place,  and  our  object  is  to  prevent  it  by  this  remedy 
if  possible. 

The  remedies  used  by  the  best  veterinary  surgeons  at 
present,  both  here  and  in  Europe,  are  very  simple  and 
efficacious. 

In  all  cases  where  bleeding  is  contra-indicated  (and  they 
are  the  more  numerous)  they  give  from  four  to  six  drachms 
of  aloes,  not  in  a  solid  form,  because  it  takes  too  long  to 
operate,  but  a  solution  of  aloes.  This  laxative  medicine  is 
rubbed  down  in  hot  water,  so  as  to  make  a  watery  solution  ; 


129 

some  practitioners  mix  a  little  alcohol  with  it,  and  horn  it 
down  the  animal's  throat. 

The  shoes  are  next  removed  as  gently  as  possible,  and  the 
feet  enveloped  in  hot  linseed  poultices,  which  may  be 
renewed  every  two  hours ;  or  it  will  do  better,  perhaps,  to 
keep  warm  water  thrown  over  the  poultices  continuously. 
Where  slings  are  to  be  had  it  will  relieve  the  creature  to 
have  the  weight  off  his  feet ;  if  not,  he  should  be  induced  to 
lie  down — this  he  will  do  after  the  first  restlessness  is  over. 
By  these  means  the  pain  and  fever  are  much  diminished, 
and  the  pulse  often  falls  fifteen  or  twenty  beats  per  minute. 

As  the  fever  runs  very  high,  in  every  case  there  is  intense 
thirst.  To  relieve  the  constitutional  disturbance  two  to  four 
ounces  of  saltpetre  should  be  mixed  in  a  pail  of  water  and 
given  to  the  patient.  I  cannot  too  highly  recommend  this 
simple  medicine  in  these  cases,  for  experience  has  proved  it 
to  be  of  immense  service. 

This  simple  mode  of  treatment  generally  succeeds  when 
the  case  is  attended  in  time,  when  signs  of  improvement 
should  be  visible  in  a  few  hours.  If,  unfortunately,  the 
symptoms  in  neglected  cases  should  not  abate,  the  stage  of 
congestion  has  passed,  when  serum  and  lymph  are  poured 
out  between  the  laminae.  When  this  state  of  things  is  ap- 
parent, many  surgeons  make  an  opening  at  the  toe,  where 
the  sole  and  crust  meet.  This  they  do  with  a  drawing  knife, 
and  make  an  exit  for  the  matter  to  flow  out;  this  requires 
to  be  very  carefully  done  to  avoid  injury. 

The  poultices  are  now  applied  ;  must  be  very  cooling 
when  clay  is  used,  or  some  other  cooling  material. 

The  terminations  of  this  disease  have  been  already  treated 
of,  but  in  most  cases  where  these  remedies  are  applied  in 
time  there  need  be  no  fear  of  fatal  consequences. 

The  feed  should  consist  of  any  light,  nutritious  sort,  as 
boiled  carrots  or  apples.  The  patient  should  also  be  re- 
moved to  a  loose,  airy  box  stall,  where  such  is  to  be  had. 


I30 

SUB-ACUTE    LAMINITIS,  OR   FOUNDER. 

This  form  of  the  disease  is  usually  observed  in  old  horses 
that  have  been  subjected  to  hard  work  in  cities.  Its  approach 
is  gradual,  and  as  there  is  not  much  pain,  heat,  or  tenderness, 
this  form  of  laminitis  may  be  mistaken  for  some  other  dis- 
ease. As  the  pain  is  not  constant,  so  the  lameness  disappears 
at  intervals.  From  these  facts  some  people  mistake  this  dis- 
ease for  rheumatism.  I  saw  a  case  of  this  kind  last  week  at 
the  Erie  Railway  stables.  The  old  stager  would  go  very  well 
for  a  few  days,  and  then  get  lame  with  a  sort  of  intermittent 
lameness. 

The  best  remedy  for  this  purpose  is  warm  foot-baths. 
A  change  of  food  from  oats  to  carrots  or  apples,  to  keep  the 
bowels  open,  and  the  animal  removed  to  the  country,  where 
he  may  do  light  w^ork  on  soft  ground,  for  his  days  of  useful- 
ness in  a  city  are  ended. 

PUMICED  FOOT. 
Cause. — This  structural  disease  is  one  of  the  termina- 
tions of  acute  founder,  especially  in  such  cases  as  have  been 
neglected  or  mismanaged  in  the  first  stage  of  the  attack.  It 
is  also  brought  about  by  putting  a  creature  too  soon  to  work 
before  recovery  is  fairly  established.  It  must  be  borne  in 
mind  that  during  the  inflammation  there  is  perverted  nutri- 
tion, and  as  a  consequence  the  horn  secreted  is  of  an  inferior 
quality.  Every  man  familiar  with  horseflesh,  and  having  a 
sharp  eye,  may  see  furrowed,  uneven,  or  wavy  ridges  along 
the  hoof  parallel  to  the  coronet  in  many  horses.  This  shows 
by  its  irregular  appearance  the  effects  of  acute  laminitis ; 
and  more  marked  still  are  those  seen  when  it  happens  to  be 
chronic  laminitis.  In  these  cases  the  horn  is  light,  spongy, 
porous,  and  quite  insufficient  to  bear  the  weight  of  an  animal 
while  at  work.  But  not  only  the  wall,  but  the  sole  of  the 
foot,  is  injured  permanently  by  the  inflammation  ;  instead  of 
the  sole  holding  its  own  arched  or  concave  form,  it  becomes 
convex.     Besides  these,  the  coffln  bone  may  be  detached 


131 

from  its  place,  descending  against  the  sole,  and  in  some  bad 
cases  producing  hernia  of  that  bone.  This  protrusion  or 
bulging  of  the  sole  is  called  pumiced  foot. 

Treatment. — In  this  instance  is  purely  mechanical.  No 
art  of  man  can  restore  the  anatomical  structure  of  the  parts, 
but  the  creature  may  be  relieved  by  a  proper  shoe,  and  made 
to  do  light  work  about  a  farm. 

For  this  purpose  a  bar  shoe,  with  a  broad  circle,  thick  at 
its  outer  circumference,  and  generally  beveled  away  towards 
its  inner  edge ;  leather  soles  may  be  placed  inside,  and  a 
mild  blister  applied  to  the  coronet,  to  stimulate,  if  possible, 
a  healthier  growth  of  horn. 

SEEDY   TOE. 

This  is  also  another  effect  of  acute  founder.  Sometimes 
the  suppuration  is  confined  to  a  small  space  about  the  toe, 
or  blood  is  effused  and  the  serum  becomes  absorbed ;  in 
either  case  the  function  of  the  papillae  of  the  sensitive  laminae 
is  perverted.  This  lesion  produces  an  inferior  quality  of 
horn,  which  has  received  the  name  of  "  seedy  toe." 

In  many  cases  the  porous  horn  admits  dirt  and  gravel, 
which  considerably  aggravates  the  evil.  This  altered  tex- 
ture cannot  be  remedied. 

PRICKED   FOOT. 

Cause. — This  injury  is  of  every  day  occurrence  in  city 
practice,  and  of  all  the  lamenesses  to  which  the  horse  is 
subject  this  is  by  far  the  most  frequent.  It  is  simply  a 
punctured  wound  of  the  sensitive  sole — always  more  or  less 
dangerous.  All  parts  of  the  sensitive  foot  are  called  by 
horsemen,  in  vulgar  language,  the  *' quick,"  and  it  is  more 
or  less  serious  according  to  both  the  particular  spot  where  it 
enters,  as  well  as  the  depth  it  pierces  into  the  tissues.  An 
animal  pricked  at  the  toe,  as  a  general  rule,  will  not  be  as 
much  injured  as  one  that  has  received  a  punctured  wound 
through  (or  in  the  locality  of)  the  frog.     A  prick  of  the  toe 


132 

may  pierce  the  periosteum  of  the  coffin  bone,  or  in  the  heel 
it  ma}^  pierce  the  joint  or  fatty  frog;  these  latter  are  always 
of  a  very  grave  character.  It  is  a  very  strange  fact  that  in 
very  many  instances  the  smaller  the  nail,  for  example,  that 
enters  the  foot,  the  more  damage  ensues ;  while  a  very  large 
one  is  much  less  injurious,  and  often  leads  to  less  inflamma- 
tion and  constitutional  disturbance. 

These  injuries  are  very  often  caused  by  either  the  care- 
lessness or  ignorance  of  horse-shoers,  w^ho  know  nothing  of 
the  structure  of  the  foot ;  or  an  animal  while  at  work  pricks 
his  foot  with  a  nail  in  the  street  (very  often  lath  nails), 
a  piece  of  thick  glass,  sharp  flints,  or,  in  fact,  any  sharp 
instrument. 

Symptoms. — These  are  very  apparent,  as  shown  by  the 
sudden  lameness,  and  indeed  in  most  cases  the  animal  can- 
not proceed  one  step  until  the  foreign  substance  is  removed. 
The  intense  pain  in  this,  as  in  other  injuries  of  the  foot, 
produces  the  lameness.  The  evils  to  apprehend  in  this  case 
are :  inflammation  ending  in  suppuration,  which  may  lead 
to  the  formation  of  sinuses ;  necrosis  of  part  of  the  coffin 
bone  ;  or,  more  fatal  yet,  the  irritation  may  be  so  severe  as 
to  end  in  tetanus  (lock-jaw).  Simple  an  affair  as  a  prick  in  a 
horse's  foot  seems  to  be,  it  is  always  attended  by  traumatic 
fever  in  a  greater  or  less  degree ;  this  usually  sets  in  a  few 
hours  after  the  injury,  or  soon  after  reaction  has  been  fairly 
established. 

Treatment. — The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  find  out 
and  remove  the  offending  substance,  whether  it  be  a  nail, 
glass,  or  any  sharp  instrument.  For  this  purpose  the  part 
must  be  washed  with  tepid  water,  and  the  foot  thoroughly 
examined  ;  in  the  next  place,  a  pincers  must  be  pressed 
against  the  sole  and  wall  of  the  hoof  all  around  until  some 
particular  spot  shows  tenderness  on  pressure — this  will 
determine  the  seat  of  the  wound. 

When  the  wound  is  discovered,  all  foreign  matter,  as  well 
as  the  nail,  must  be  removed,  such  as  dirt,  sand,  gravel,  &c., 


133 

which  may  have  entered  the  opening.  It  is  advisable,  in  the 
majority  of  cases,  to  have  the  shoe  gently  taken  off,  and  the 
surrounding  parts  of  the  wound  nicely  pared  with  a  drawing 
knife.  By  this  means  the  discolored  horn,  blood,  or  pus 
(corruption)  that  may  have  formed  must  be  removed. 

The  great  object  here  is  by  judicious  treatment  to  limit 
the  inflammation  and  prevent  it  from  forming  sinuses,  or 
extending  to  the  horny  tissues.  This  may  be  accomplished 
(after  removing  the  shoe)  by  resting  the  animal,  the  injec- 
tion of  mild  astringent  and  caustic  lotions  into  the  wound 
with  a  small  syringe,  and  enveloping  the  foot  in  poultices  of 
linseed  meal  for  a  few  days.  In  addition  to  these  measures, 
an  ounce  or  two  of  saltpetre  dissolved  in  a  pail  of  water  will 
aid  in  abating  the  febrile  symptoms,  or  a  mild  laxative,  such 
as  linseed  oil  or  small  doses  of  aloes.  In  bad  cases  too 
much  importance  cannot  be  attached  to  the  proper  injection 
of  cooling  applications  into  the  wound  two  or  three  times  a 
day  with  a  small  pointed  syringe.  The  following  remedies 
for  that  purpose  will  be  these : 

Take  of  carbolic  acid       -         -     One  drachm. 
"        water  _         _         _     One  ounce. 

Or— 

Goulard's  extract    -         -         -  One  drachm. 

Sulphate  of  zinc       _         _         _  Two  drachms. 
Sulphate  of  copper  -         -         -  " 

Vinegar  -----  Eight  ounces. 

Pulverize  the  sulphates,  dissolve  in  the  vinegar,  then  add 
the  lead. 

To  repeat  the  treatment — 

Remove  the  foreign  matter. 

Take  shoe  off,  and  rest  the  patient. 

The  surrounding  parts  of  the  wound  pared. 

The  wound  syringed. 

The  foot  poulticed. 


134 

QUITTOR,  OR    FIBRO-CHONDRITLS. 

Cause. — This  strange  name,  "  quittor,"  was  given  by  the 
old  farriers  to  a  fistulous  wound  about  the  top  of  the  hoof 
or  coronary  band,  while  they  were  entirely  ignorant  of  the 
seat  of  the  disease.  Its  situation  is  generally  between  the 
hair  and  hoof,  at  the  inside  quarter  or  heel  of  the  horse's 
foot.  The  seat  of  injury,  in  the  majority  of  instances,  is  the 
plantar  cushion  or  fatty  frog,  which  is  a  fibro-cartilaginous 
tissue ;  and  hence,  when  it  is  the  subject  of  inflammation,  it 
is  more  properly  called  fibro-chondritis.  The  history  of 
these  cases  usually  is  that  an  animal  has  received  a  punc- 
tured wound  from  some  sharp  substance,  which  has  pene- 
trated the  frog  and  forced  its  way  through  the  sensitive  solg 
into  the  fatty  frog.  When  this  is  the  history  of  the  lesion 
the  product  of  the  inflammation  so  formed  has  to  force  its 
way  upward  and  make  an  exit  for  its  removal  somewhere  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  coronet.  Before  the  products  of  the 
inflammation  have  appeared  at  the  top  of  the  hoof  there  are 
formed  fistulous  tracks  in  all  directions  through  the  soft 
tissues  w^ithin ;  these  are  vulgarly  called  the  "  pipes,"  and 
the  opening  at  the  top  has  received  the  euphonious  name 
of"  quittor." 

This  is  not,  however,  the  history  of  all  cases  of  this  kind. 
It  may  result  from  a  very  bad  corn,  a  tread  on  some  sharp 
substance  that  has  extensively  bruised  the  sensitive  sole 
without  puncturing  it ;  or  it  may,  in  fact,  be  the  result  of 
any  injury  that  leads  to  the  formation  of  matter  which,  by 
neglect,  accumulates  within  the  hard  hoof,  and  gradually 
works  its  way  out  at  the  coronet.  These  fistulous  openings 
or  pipes  communicate  with  the  ulcerated  wound  or  quittor 
that  is  observed  above  the  coronary  band.  fl 

This  hidden  but  extensive  inflammation  produces  severe 
and  protracted  lameness,  by  the  destruction  of  the  soft 
tissues  within  ;  and  it  is  well  if  the  periosteum  or  coffin  bone 
is  not  also  involved  in  the  disease. 


135 

Treatment. — Perhaps  no  one  disease  of  the  horse's  foot 
(except  spavin)  has  received  more  barbarous  treatment  at  the 
hands  of  men  than  quittor.  No  remedy  was  supposed  to  be 
severe  enough,  and  what  torture  and  needless  agony  poor 
dumb  creatures  were  subjected  to  exceeds  belief.  The  most 
powerful  caustics  were  thrust  in  to  "core  out  the  pipes,"  as 
the  old  farriers  called  it.  Red-hot  pieces  of  iron  were  forced 
into  these  openings.  These  fellows  would  have  been  better 
employed  drilling  holes  to  blast  rocks  than  pretending  to 
treat  diseases  of  this  kind. 

The  cure  of  this  injury  will  be  both  tedious  and  painful 
in  proportion  to  the  extent  of  the  destruction  of  the  tissues, 
as  it  is  not  one  of  those  injuries  that  proceed  thus  far  in 
a  day,  but  is  allowed  to  run  on  neglected  for  weeks.  No 
miracle  can  be  performed  in  the  cure  thereof.  In  such 
cases  as  do  not  involve  the  periosteum  of  the  coffin  bone 
in  destructive  inflammation,  the  remedies  may  be  more 
hopefully  applied.  The  great  principle  in  the  treatment  of 
quittor  and  of  similar  wounds  is  to  remove  as  soon  as  possible 
the  internal  cause  of  irritation,  and  thus  limit  or  prevent 
the  spreading  of  the  inflammatory  action  and  the  excessive 
suppuration. 

To  descend  to  particulars  in  the  treatment  we  begin  by 
removing  the  shoe  and  finding  out,  if  possible,  the  origin  of 
the  mischief,  if  a  prick  or  corn  has  been  the  cause.  As 
there  is  matter  within  the  foot,  free  vent  must  be  given  to  it 
by  making  a  more  natural  and  dependant  egress  for  it 
than  the  opening  at  the  top  of  the  hoof.  All  pressure  and 
irritation  must  be  removed  and  the  parts  soothed  with  warm 
poultices ;  mild  dressings  and  rest  are  the  only  indications 
for  treatment.  All  powerful  caustics  only  destroy  the 
healthy  parts  without  healing  the  diseased  tissues. 

In  addition  to  the  poultices,  we  must  syringe  the  pipes 
with  proper  remedies,  so  as  to  aid  nature  in  discharging  the 
product  of  ulceration,  and  stimulating  the  parts  to  healthy 
granulations.     For  this    purpose    local    injections    into  the 


136 

wound  with  a  small  syringe  two  or  three  times  a  day  must 
be  resorted  to.  For  bad  cases  of  quittor  the  following  is 
the  best :  Take  of — 

Bi-chloride  of  mercury,  pulverized    -  One  drachm. 

Hydro-chloric  acid    -  -  -  Five  drops. 

Spirits  of  wine  _  _  _  One  ounce. 

Dissolve  the  mercury  in  the  acid,  then  add  the  spirits  of 
wine. 

For  quittors  that  are  not  very  serious,  or  of  long  standing, 
the  following  will  do  very  well :  Take  of — 

Carbolic  acid    -  -  -     One  drachm. 

Water  -  -  -  -     One  ounce. 

Either  of  these  remedies  must  be  carefully  injected  with 
a  small  syringe  into  the  openings  two  or  three  times  a  day. 
The  prescription  recommended  for  pricked  foot  is  also  an 
excellent  mild  preparation  for  ordinary  quittors. 

The  ill  consequences  of  quittors  are  many,  but  one  of  the 
evils  to  be  apprehended  is  the  injury  of  the  coronary  sub- 
stance. When  this  disease  has  been  long  continued  and 
accompanied  by  much  sloughing,  the  coronary  band  and 
the  vascular  tissue  underneath  it — from  which  latter  the 
horn  is  secreted — is  often  so  injured  that  it  secretes  a  defi- 
cient quantity  of  soft,  weak  horn,  which  lesion  produces 
what  is  known  as  "  false  quarter."  When  this  state  of  things 
supervenes  it  renders  the  creature  unfit  for  anything  except 
slow  work,  for  it  is  almost  incurable.  The  only  hope  then 
is  occasionally  to  mildly  blister  the  coronet,  and  have  a  shoe 
adapted  to  the  injured  state  of  the  foot. 

SANDCRACK. 

Cause. — This  name  is  given  to  a  fissure  or  crack  in  the 
wall  of  the  hoof;  this  split  or  fracture  of  the  horny  fibres  of 
the  hoof  extends  generally  from  above  downwards,  and  is 
chiefly  the  result  of  external  violence  or  injury  of  some  kind. 
In  this  respect  it  differs  from  false  quarter,  for  there  may  be 


137 

no  disease  of  the  coronary  substance  from  which  the  wall  is 
secreted. 

It  chiefly  occurs  in  weak,  brittle,  light  colored  feet,  where 
the  rasp  is  used  at  every  shoeing,  and  often  comes  on  sud- 
denly as  the  result  of  concussion  on  a  hard  road.  This 
accident  may  happen  in  an  instant  from  a  false  step.  It 
occurs  in  both  fore  and  hind  feet.  Its  situation  in  the  first  in- 
stance is  the  inner  quarter ;  in  the  second,  the  front  or  near 
the  toe,  the  principal  stress  coming  on  that  part  in  the  hind 
foot.     It  always  constitutes  unsoundness. 

The  depth  of  the  crack  or  fissure  determines  the  lameness. 
When  it  is  merely  superficial  there  is  no  lameness,  but  when 
it  penetrates  to  the  quick  pain  and  lameness  ensue.  The 
opening  sometimes  extends  to  the  eighth  of  an  inch,  bloody 
serum  exudes,  and  proud  flesh  sprouts  from  the  crack.  A 
case  of  this  kind  is  difficult  to  cure. 

Even  when  the  opening  is  not  so  deep  as  this  sand  and 
dirt  constantly  enter,  and  act  as  irritants  to  the  sensitive 
structure  beneath,  when  after  some  time  fungous  growths 
may  appear  from  the  sandcrack. 

Treatment. — The  present  treatment  of  sandcrack  is 
chiefly  mechanical.  The  crack  is  thoroughly  cleaned  out, 
the  dirt  and  foreign  matters  removed  with  a  bit  of  wire 
covered  with  a  little  oakum,  the  wash  consisting  of  diluted 
carbolic  acid.  The  horn  on  each  side  of  the  crack  is  very 
slightly  pared ;  this  much  is  only  a  preparatory  process. 

To  hold  and  retain  the  divided  parts  of  the  hoof  together 
a  very  ingenious  contrivance  is  used.  This  is  a  French 
invention,  and  is  simply  a  piece  of  thick  fine  steel  wire,  half 
an  inch  long,  with  a  claw  on  each  end.  In  order  to  make  a 
proper  opening  in  each  side  of  the  divided  wall,  for  the 
entrance  of  these  claws,  there  is  an  iron  adapted  for  the 
purpose;  this  is  heated  red-hot,  and  the  two  holes  are 
burned  into  the  wall  at  the  same  time.  When  this  is  done 
the  claws  of  this  little  contrivance  are  gently  tapped  into 
their  places.  These  are  sold  by  most  surgical  instrument 
makers. 


138 

Some  practitioners,  after  paring  the  parts,  simply  fire  the 
wall  by  drawing  a  hot  iron  across  the  upper  part  of  the 
crack,  so  as  to  cut  off  the  healthy  parts  above  from  the 
unhealthy  below.  The  iron  should  go  rather  deeper  than 
for  ordinary  firing,  or  nearly  through  the  insensible  sole. 
After  this  three  or  four  yards  of  waxed  cord,  or  iron  wire,  is 
bound  lightly  around  the  hoof,  so  as  to  hold  the  cracked 
surfaces  together,  and  then  blistering  the  coronet  twice  a 
month.  A  shoe  so  modeled  as  not  to  press  upon  the  crust 
under  the  crack  will  be  found  of  great  benefit  in  helping 
forward  the  repair  of  this  injury.  The  crack,  if  properly 
treated,  will  in  time  recede  from  the  coronet,  and  at  length 
totally  disappear. 


INTERFERING,  OVERREACH,  TREAD,  CALKING,  &c. 

These  names  are  usually  applied  to  contused  wounds  of 
the  foot  and  leg,  with  loss  of  skin  in  many  cases ;  when  this 
occurs  they  are  more  properly  called  abraded  injuries,  or 
wounds  of  the  parts  so  affected. 

The  foot'and  leg  of  the  horse  are  liable  to  these  various 
external  injuries,  most  of  which  are  inflicted  by  one  limb 
wounding  the  other. 

Interfering  is  said  to  take  place  when  one  foot  strikes  and 
wounds  the  opposite  fetlock ;  they  usually  occur  in  young 
and  timid  horses,  with  ill-formed  legs.  To  remove  the  cause 
of  this  injury  a  particular  form  of  shoe  is  required  to  be 
made  by  some  horse-shoer  who  knows  something  of  the 
science  of  his  business.  The  wound  must  be  mildly  dressed, 
and  a  boot  made  to  protect  the  part  until  it  is  healed. 

Speedy  cut  is  an  interference,  only  higher  upon  the  legs, 
and  generally  happens  with  fast-going  horses  when  put 
beyond  their  speed.  In  this  case  also  a  proper  boot  is 
required  to  protect  the  part  from  further  abrasion. 

Overreach  is  a  wound  or  bruise  produced  on  the  heel  of  the 
fore  foot  by  the  hind  one  while  travelling  at  a  fast  rate,  and 


139 

is  generally  more  or  less  troublesome.  In  these  cases  a 
semi-circular  wound  is  made,  the  skin  is  raised  up  in  a  flap, 
which  folds  backwards  and  downwards.  This  injury  is 
done,  not  by  the  toe,  but  by  the  edge  of  the  inner  rim  of 
the  shoe.  Sometimes  a  piece  of  the  skin  is  quite  scooped 
out,  in  which  case  longer  time  is  required  to  repair  the 
wound. 

TREAD,  OR    CALKING. 

This  is  usually  the  most  serious  of  all  these  external 
injuries;  it  may  be  caused  either  by  one  horse  treading  on 
another  suddenly,  as  at  fairs  or  markets,  or  by  a  false  step 
of  an  animal  when  fatigued  and  exhausted  from  severe 
work. 

These  injuries,  simple  as  they  appear,  should  not  be  dis- 
regarded ;  if  they  are,  the  irritation  resulting  from  them  may 
cause  induration  and  enlargement  around  the  wounds,  which 
are  very  unsightly,  if  not  positively  injurious.  They  some- 
times also  produce  a  wound  resembling  quittor.  In  bad 
cases  of  calking  we  have  seen  fatal  results  follow;  the 
coronary  substance  becomes  so  bruised  that  excessive  sup- 
puration follows;  a  mountain  of  granulations  soon  overhangs 
the  hoof  which  almost  defies  remedial  treatment.  When  this 
injury  is  allowed  to  run  on  neglected  thus  far,  the  animal 
might  as  well  be  destroyed,  for  treatment  (in  a  monetary 
point  of  view)  is  useless. 

Treatment. — For  slight  and  recent  wounds,  as  the  result 
of  interference,  and  for  speedy  cut,  very  simple  treatment  is 
required.  A  bandage  must  be  put  on  for  the  night,  dipped 
in  the  following  lotion  : 

Goulard's  extract  -  -  One  ounce. 

Water     -             _  _  _  Ten  ounces. 
Or,- 

Carbolic  acid     _  _  _  One  ounce. 

Water    -             _  _  _  Eight  ounces. 


140 

As  preventive  treatment  a  properly  fitted  boot  must  be 
made  and  put  on  the  foot  while  the  animal  is  at  work  or 
exercising. 

In  bad  or  neglected  cases  of  calking  it  may  be  necessary 
to  pare  away  the  horn  around  the  top  of  the  hoof,  in  order 
to  remove  the  pressure,  for  in  these  instances  the  hoof  acts 
as  a  foreign  substance,  increasing  the  inflammatory  action 
of  the  parts  affected. 

In  order  to  save  the*  foot,  the  horn  (according  to  the 
severity  of  injury)  must  be  cut  away  almost  to  the  quick 
around  the  hoof,  and  cooling  applications  continually 
applied  to  stop,  or  at  least  limit,  the  inflammation.  For 
this  purpose  Goulard's  extract  (as  above)  is  the  best.  The 
part  must  then  be  properly  bandaged,  and  the  foot  put  into 
a  poultice  of  linseed  meal  twice  a  day.  I  need  hardly  say 
that  in  all  cases  of  the  kind  the  shoe  must  be  removed. 

SCRATCHES,  CRACKED  HEELS,  MUD  FEVER,  ERYTHEMA, 

&c. 

This  disease  of  the  skin  and  surrounding  tissues  of  the 
horse's  foot  has  given  much  trouble  to  horse  proprietors 
within  the  last  three  months  in  our  large  cities ;  it  has  been 
called  by  the  various  names  here  stated,  according  to  the 
fancies  of  horsemen.  It  is  caused  by  long  exposure  to 
extreme  cold  and  wet,  and  in  cities  it  has  been  intensified 
by  the  salting  of  the  streets  in  snowy  weather.  These 
influences  interfere  with  the  proper  circulation  of  the  blood 
in  the  extremities,  and  lead  to  congestion  and  inflammation. 

In  this  case  the  oily  secretion  which  in  health  keeps  the 
skin  about  the  heels  soft  and  pliant  is  perverted  or  stopped. 
When  an  animal  is  neglected  in  this  stage  of  the  disease  it 
may,  and  in  many  cases  does,  end  in  abnormal  growths  of 
various  kinds  on  the  heels  ;  some  of  these  growths  are  car- 
tilaginous, while  in  other  instances  horny  concretions  form 
about  the  heels,  sadly  interfering  with  the  motion  of  the 
joint,  and  constituting  lameness. 


Preventive  treatment. — This  may  be  accomplished 
in  at  least  three  ways,  although  some  persons  may  consider 
them  too  much  trouble,  namely,  by — 

Washing    the   feet  with   cold  water   and   putting  on  a 

bandage. 
Washing  the   feet   first  with  hot   and    then   with    cold 

water. 
Using  no  water,  but  simply  brushing  the  dirt  off  the 
heels  with  a  hard  brush. 
For  heels  already  cracked,  but  on  which  no  deposit  has 
formed,  by  which  they  become  indurated  and  enlarged,  the 
following  remedy  on   that   condition   of  the   parts  will  be 
found  useful.     Take  of: 

Solution  of  diacetate  of  lead       -     One  ounce. 
Glycerine  _  _  _     Eight  ounces. 

This  has  been  found  an  excellent  application  for  Mud 
Fever  or  Erythema.  In  such  animals  as  have  horny  concre- 
tions on  the  heels,  they  may  be  continuously  pared  down 
with  a  drawing  knife,  and  then  burned  with  a  little  caustic. 
This  must  not  be  pursued  too  far,  as  their  entire  removal 
might  be  attended  with  worse  consequences, 

GREASE. 

Cause. — This  unsightly  and  diseased  condition  of  the 
horses'  heels  differ  in  many  respects  from  the  Scratches  or 
Mud  Fever.  In  the  first  place  this  disease  has  both  a  con- 
stitutional as  well  as  a  local  origin,  and  in  the  second  instance 
it  rarely,  if  ever,  is  found  on  thoroughbred  horses  that  are 
well  groomed  and  fed.  The  class  of  animals  most  subject 
to  this  condition  are  coarse  bred,  heavy-limbed  truck  horses. 
Those  animals,  when  well  fed  and  attended  to,  if  allowed 
to  stand  idle  for  hours  together  in  wet  and  filth,  very  fre- 
quently get  greasy  about  the  heels.  The  hind  feet  are 
chiefly  the  ones  attacked,  as  it  is  more  common  in  the  hind 
than  in  the  fore  feet. 


142 


Symptoms. — In  the  normal  or  healthy  state  of  an  ani- 
mal there  is  secreted  about  the  heels  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
fluid  from  the  oil  glands  to  lubricate  these  parts ;  but  when 
this  disease  occurs  it  is  the  result  of  an  increased  and  mor- 
bid secretion  from  these  glands  and  neighboring  parts  of  a 
peculiar  greasy  offensive  discharge  of  matter,  which  is  at- 
tended with  irritation  and  increased  vascular  action. 

In  this  state  of  the  parts  there  is  first  an  arrest  of  the 
secretion,  then  an  increase,  and  lastly  a  perversion  of  this 
lubricating  fluid. 

The  first  appearance  of  grease  is,  therefore  (from  the  ar- 
rest of  secretion),  a  dry  scrufl'y  state  of  the  heels,  with  heat 
and  itchiness.  Swelling  succeeds,  with  slight  lameness  from 
the  tension  of  the  skin.  As  the  discharge  augments  in 
quantity,  the  hair  follicles  become  inflamed,  and  as  a  result 
of  that  inflamation  deep  fissures  begin  to  form,  and  become 
prominent  about  the  upper  portion  of  the  fetlock.  In  these 
fissures  pustules  begin  to  form  ;  these  soon  burst,  and  expose 
great  coarse  granulations,  which  are  vulgarly  called  grapes 
(and  by  others,  proud  flesh).  When  a  creature  is  neglected 
in  this  condition,  the  skin  of  the  heels  becomes  tough, 
almost  horny  (indurated),  and  in  a  short  time  the  limbs  be- 
come twice  their  natural  size,  and  seldom  if  ever  can  be 
brought  back  to  their  former  symmetry. 

Treatment  of  Grease. — An  animal  in  this  condition 
must  have  an  entire  change  of  food  to  begin  with,  from  oats 
or  mixed  feed  to  green  food,  carrots,  apples  and  mashes 
three  or  four  times  a  week.  If  the  horse  is  strong  and  full 
of  flesh,  in  addition  to  this  an  ounce  of  saltpetre  may  be 
given  twice  a  week,  mixed  up  with  his  pail  of  water,  and 
once  a  week  a  dose  of  aloes,  say  four  to  six  drachms.  Thus 
much  for  the  constitutional  treatment.  The  local  remedies 
are  very  simple.  Wash  the  parts  thoroughly  with  tepid 
water  after  work,  clean  them  with  a  soft  brush,  sprinkle 
them  jver  with  a  little  dry  oxide  of  zinc,  and  allow  plenty 


143 

of  bedding.     Before  going  to  work,  smear  the  heels  with  the 
following  application  :" 

Laudanum  _  _  _     One  ounce. 

Acetate  of  lead   -  -  -     One  ounce. 

Soft  soap  -  -  -     Eight  ounces. 

As  soon  as  the  animal  is  done  work  this  must  be  washed 
off,  and  the  dry  dressing  of  the  zinc  sprinkled  as  before  on 
the  heels.  A  bandage  with  pressure  will  in  a  great  measure 
expedite  the  cure.  In  such  cases  as  are  much  inflamed 
around  the  heels,  and  grapes  are  present,  a  poultice  will  be 
required  to  soften  and  relax  the  parts,  and  remove  the  ten- 
derness. For  this  purpose  a  poultice  of  linseed  meal, 
sprinkled  over  with  a  drachm  of  carbolic  acid,  mixed  with 
an  ounce  of  water,  will  remove  the  bad  smell,  as  well  as  the 
tenderness  of  the  parts. 

When  this  poultice  is  removed,  the  parts  must  be  dusted 
over  as  before  recommended  with  dry  oxide  of  zinc. 

The  grapes  are  sometimes  removed  with  a  scissors,  or  by 
strangulating  them  with  a  piece  of  stout  waxed  thread,  and 
dressing  the  surfaces  as  already  recommended. 

CORNS. 

These  are  bruises  of  the  sensitive  sole  in  the  angle  be- 
tween the  posterior  part  of  the  quarter  and  the  bars,  and 
mostly  occurring  on  the  inside  of  the  fore  foot.  The  hind 
feet  own  their  immunity  to  the  peculiar  strength  of  the  heels 
and  their  sustaining  less  weight.  Two  sorts  of  feet  are  espe- 
cially subject  to  corns;  those  with  deep  slanting  heels,  which 
become  doubled  up  between  the  shoe  and  the  sole,  and  those 
that  have  wide  flat  soles  and  low  weak  heels,  on  which  the 
pressure  causing  the  bruise  comes  from  above.  From  con- 
tinuance of  pressure  the  interior  villous  sensitive  surface  is 
bruised  and  inflamed,  serum  and  blood  are  poured  out,  the 
horn  by  and  by  becomes  soft  and  discolored,  and  the  parts 


144 

weakened  from  the  continual  application  of  the  exciting 
cause  continue  to  secrete  unhealthy  horn  even  after  the 
cause  of  the  injury  has  been  removed.  Lameness  is  most 
obvious  in  trotting  upon  a  hard  road  ;  the  lame  leg  is  brought 
as  much  under  the  body  as  possible,  thus  throwing  the 
weight  upon  the  outside  heel.  The  shoe  also  is  mostly 
worn  on  the  outer  side ;  the  animal  generally  stands  with  the 
limb  bent  and  the  heel  raised,  somewhat  in  the  same  way  as 
in  grogginess.  Corns,  although  constituting  unsoundness,  do 
not  in  well  formed  feet  materially  reduce  an  animal's  value, 
for  by  careful  shoeing  they  may  be  got  rid  of  gradually. 

Treatment. — Pare  out  carefully  the  seat  of  the  corn, 
removing  all  reddened  and  diseased  horn ;  reduce  the  crust 
of  the  quarter  slightly  where  it  is  unduly  strong,  but  leave 
the  bars  and  frog  untouched.  These  must  be  religiously 
preserved,  especially  in  weak  feet,  to  afford  a  wide  bearing 
for  the  bar  shoe  that  should  afterwards  be  used.  The  fol- 
lowing dressing  may  be  applied.     Take  of 

Tar       -  -  -  One-quarter  pound. 

Bees'  wax  -  -             " 

Honey  -  -             " 

Glycerine  -  -  Three  ounces. 

Lard     _  -  -  One  and  a  half  pound. 

Nitric  acid  -  -  Two  drachms. 

Melt  the  lard  and  bees'  wax  together,  stir  in  the  lard  and 
the  other  ingredients,  and  stir  until  cold. 


THRUSH  OR  FRUSH. 

This  foul  and  diseased  condition  of  the  foot  primarily 
consists  in  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  villous  and 
sensitive  surfaces  within  the  clefts  of  the  frog ;  it  appears  to 
arise  from  the  continual  application  of  various  kinds  of  dirt 
and  muck,  which  irritate  the  tissues  both  externally  and 
internally.     Animals    standing    continually   in    foul,    damp 


T45 

stables,  or  in  straw  yards,  are  liable  to  have  this  disease. 
Among  its  first  symptoms  is  a  discharge  of  a  fetid  muco- 
purulent fluid  from  the  cleft  of  the  frog,  which  gradually 
extends  to  the  neighboring  parts,  and  if  neglected  may  in- 
volve the  whole  foot.  This  condition  produces  lameness, 
and,  of  course,  constitutes  unsoundness. 

Trealment, — Carefully  remove  the  diseased  horn  and 
thoroughly  clean  out  the  excavation  with  a  drachm  of  car- 
bolic acid,  to  which  must  be  added  one  ounce  of  water. 
After  this  the  following  remedy  may  be  used : 

Calomel  _  _  _     Four  drachms. 

Glycerine       _  _  -     Two  ounces. 

This  mixture  must  be  put  on  a  pledget  of  oakum  and  in- 
serted into  the  cleft  of  the  frog.  Outside  this  a  bandage 
with  some  wood  tar  will  do  good  service,  and  keep  the  feet 
scrupulously  clean. 

CANKER 

Is  usually  a  more  extensive  or  aggravated  form  of  Thrush ; 
it  consists  in  a  degenerate  or  depraved  condition  of  that  por- 
tion of  the  sensitive  foot  which  secretes  the  horny  frog  and 
sole,  which,  instead  of  forming  healthy  horn,  produces  a 
fungous  growth  of  soft,  spongy  substance,  covered  with  fetid 
acrid  bloody  serum.  This  perverted  secretion  soon  pervades 
the  whole  sole,  and  ultimately  extends  to  the  entire  secret- 
ing surface  of  the  foot. 

The  same  cause  that  produces  Thrush  induces  this  dis- 
ease, and  therefore  the  same  remedies  will  do  equally  well. 
The  treatment  recommended  for  Thrush,  of  calomel  and 
glycerine,  is  almost  the  best  known. 


CONTRACTION    OF    THE  FOOT.     GROGGINESS.     NAVICU- 
LAR  DISEASE. 

This  disease  is  first  excited  by  a  strain  of  the  perforans 
tendon  at  the  point  where  it  passes  over  the  navicular  bone. 


146 

It  is  most  common  in  horses  of  the  lighter  breeds,  with 
narrow  chests,  upright  pasterns,  and  out-turned  toes.  The 
signs  of  the  presence  of  this  disease  are  a  short  tripping 
gait,  wiring  in  of  the  heels,  wearing  away  of  the  toe  of  the 
shoe,  wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder,  projecting  of  the 
limb  whilst  standing.  These  signs  infallibly  mark  the  disease. 
In  slight  cases,  and  when  early  noticed,  it  is  possible,  if  not  to 
cure,  at  any  rate  greatly  to  relieve  it;  but  where  it  continues 
for  some  weeks,  the  articular  surface  of  the  tendon  becomes 
abraded,  and  the  synovial  membrane  inflamed;  after  this 
the  articular  cartilage  becomes  involved,  and  lastly  the  bone 
becomes  ulcerated. 

Treatment. — Various  but  unsatisfactory  remedies  have 
been  tried  for  this  disease,  but  absolute  rest  does  more  good 
than  anything  else.  Division  of  the  nerve  going  to  the  foot 
has  been  tried,  but  little  good  has  followed,  for  it  is  a  pain- 
ful, risky,  unsatisfactory  operation. 


SPAVINS,  SPLINTS,  and  RING-BONES  (technically  called 
EXOSTOSIS). 

These  diseased  conditions  of  the  bones  become  very  seri- 
ous in  animals  that  are  specially  formed  for  speed  and  labor. 
They  are  produced  by  the  same  causes,  are  of  the  same  na- 
ture, and  the  only  reason  why  they  receive  these  different 
names  is  to  indicate  the  particular  locality  of  the  fore  or 
hind  limb  on  which  they  are  formed. 

In  all  cases,  the  evil  commences  in  the  tough  vascular 
membrane  investing  the  bone,  which  is  termed  the  Perios- 
teum. From  whatever  cause  the  inflammation  is  induced, 
it  is  usually  followed  by  a  deposit  of  limy  or  osseous  matter, 
which  forms  into  a  kind  of  bony  tumor  of  various  shapes. 
These  ma/  occur  either  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  hock, 
knee,  or  pastern  joints,  and  which  from  these  different  loca- 
tions are  called  Spavins,  Splints,  or  Ring-bones. 


147 

When  an  animal  is  put  to  inordinate  and  severe  exer- 
tion when  too  young,  or  especially  receives  concussions  of 
the  joints  from  leaping  or  other  causes,  there  is  an  over- 
supply  of  blood  driven  into  these  parts;  they  become  hot 
and  tender.  The  inflammation  set  up  is  followed  by  the 
effusion  of  lymph,  which  gradually  degenerates  into  this 
spurious  bony  deposit,  or  Exostosis.  In  very  many  cases  (as 
seen  on  dissection),  the  inflammation  extends  to  the  articular 
cartilage  within  the  joint,  which  has  resulted  in  the  ulcera- 
tion of  that  membrane.  Diseases  of  this  kind  come  on 
rather  slowly  and  insidiously,  and  the  injury  may  have  pro- 
gressed considerably  before  any  perceptible  alteration  of  the 
structure  of  the  parts  can  be  discerned. 


INJURIES  AND  WOUNDS  IN  GENERAL. 

The  injuries  to  which  the  equine  race  are  liable  are  many 
in  our  large  cities ;  the  majority  of  cases  are  the  result  of 
accidents,  while  others  are  brutally  inflicted  by  dastardly 
rufiflans  for  various  reasons.  The  most  common  and  im- 
portant wounds  are  the  punctured,  contused,  lacerated,  and 
incised. 

A  "wound  consists  in  a  solution  of  continuity,  whether 
from  violence  or  any  other  cause. 

The  punctured  wound  is  the  most  frequent  in  horse  prac- 
tice, and  the  foot  is  generally  the  seat  of  the  lesion.  Con- 
tused and  abraded  wounds  are  oftener  seen  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  coronet,  from  a  severe  tread  by  the  opposite 
shoe  (calking).  Lacerated  wounds  are  not  unfrequent  from 
violence  inflicted  by  shafts  or  wheels  of  carriages  coming  in 
collision  with  some  part  of  the  animal's  body.  Incised 
wounds  are  mostly  the  intentional  doings  of  revengeful  men 
with  a  sharp  instrument,  to  occasion  loss  to  the  owners  of 
valuable  animals.  The  other  injuries  to  which  the  horse  is 
liable  are  Fractures,  Dislocations,  Sprains,  and  Burns. 


148 

The  indications  for  treatment  presented  in  wounds 
of  whatever  nature,  may  be  briefly  stated  thus: 
To  relieve  shock ; 
"    arrest  hemorrhage ; 
"    remove  foreign  matter; 
"    approximate  and  retain  the  parts; 
"    limit  the  resulting  inflammation. 
Amongst  the  most  important  of  these  indications  are,  ist, 
To  arrest  the  current  of  blood,  which  may  be  either  arterial, 
or  venous,  or  both,  slight  or  profuse,  external  or  internal. 
The  scarlet  color  and  saltatory  jet  will  inform  us  when  it  is 
arterial,  the  purple  hue   and  steady  flow  when  it  is  venous. 
Internal  hemorrhage  is  more  dangerous   than  external,  be- 
cause  it   is  generally  inaccessible.     2d,  To  remove  foreign 
matter;   this  must  be  done  at  once  and  effectually  with  a 
sponge  and  water ;   not   a  particle  of  matter,  not  a  hair,  or 
the  smallest  clot  of  blood  must  be  left  behind,  or  it  will  be 
sure  to  provoke  and  keep  up   the  irritation.     3d,  To  limit 
the  inflammation ;    this  is  done   by  the  usual  antiphlogistic 
treatment. 

The  111  consequences  of  Wounds  and  Injuries.— 
The  bad  consequences  to  be  apprehended  after  these  in- 
juries are 

Traumatic  fever ; 
Hemorrhage ; 
Excessive  suppuration ; 
Gangrene  and  Tetanus. 
Traumatic  Fever  usually  sets  in  within  the  first  few 
hours  after  the  injury,  or  soon  after  reaction  has  been  fairly 
established. 

Secondary  Hemorrhage  must  be  steadily  kept  in  view, 
and  the  proper  means  used  to  prevent  its  injurious  effect. 

Profuse  Suppuration  may  be  looked  for  in  nearly  all 
bad  wounds,  whatever  their  character,  and  its  exhausting 
effects  counteracted  by  supporting  remedies. 


149 

Gangrene  is  not  so  common  a  sequel  of  wounds  as  in 
human  surgery,  but  when  it  does  appear  it  must  be  promptly 
dealt  with. 

Traumatic  Tetanus  often  results  from  punctured 
wounds,  especially  of  the  foot,  on  horses  of  a  nervous  and 
irritable  temperament.  Sudden  changes  of  temperature  has 
much  to  do  with  the  development  of  this  disease. 


STRAINS  OR  SPRAINS  IN  GENERAL. 

The  term  sprain  is  applied  to  so  many  sorts  as  well  as 
degrees  of  injuries  that  it  conveys  no  idea  either  of  the  sim- 
plicity or  the  gravity  of  the  lesion  in  any  given  case.  A 
sprain  or  strain  is  usually  the  result  of  awkwardness  or  vio- 
lence inflicted  upon  the  muscles,  tendons  and  ligaments. 
The  severe  and  continued  exertion  required  of  some  horses, 
and  that  often  before  these  structures  have  attained  their 
full  strength  and  solidity,  render  them  very  liable  to  injuries 
of  this  kind. 

Some  sprains  may  be  so  slight  (from  a  false  step  or  such 
like),  as  to  rupture  only  a  few  of  the  minute  fibres,  which, 
arranged  in  bundles  (fasciculi),  make  up  the  tendons  and 
muscles,  and  which  by  a  little  rest  and  attention,  passes  off 
as  only  a  temporary  inconvenience.  Other  sprains  (so 
called),  may  be  so  severe  and  extensive  as  to  cause  rupture 
and  displacement  of  the  cellular  membrane,  tendons  and 
ligaments,  and  all  other  parts  forming  the  articulation. 
Sometimes  a  whole  large  tendon  is  involved,  with  extravasa- 
tion of  blood,  which  seriously  complicates  the  injury.  Thus 
it  may  seem  that  a  sprain  may  be  no  simple  affair,  for  there 
are  innumerable  shades  of  difference  between  sprains  and 
sprains,  and  that  a  bad  sprain  may  be  worse  than  a  fracture. 
These  injuries,  beside  the  effusion  into  the  tissues,  are  also 
accompanied  by  excessive  pain,  throbbing  of  the  arteries  in 
the  locality  of  the  lesion,  and   severe   constitutional  symp- 


ISO 

toms.  To  repair  the  injury  inflamation  sets  in,  with  its  ac- 
companiments of  heat,  pain  and  swelling,  lymph  is  poured 
out ;  this  occasions  enlargement,  and  not  only  so,  but  by 
separating  the  fibres  from  each  other,  shortens  the  affected 
structures,  as  will  be  seen  in  bad  cases  of  the  back  tendons. 

Treatment. — This  is  very  simple,  and  for  that  reason  is 
seldom  followed  by  ignorant  persons ;  they  will  persist  in 
using  oils  and  liniments,  and  sometimes  blisters.  The  appli- 
cation of  hot  water,  continued  for  several  hours,  and  in  bad 
cases  for  a  whole  day,  is  the  best  remedy  to  begin  with. 
Perfect  rest,  and  if  possible  having  the  animal  slung,  will 
both  very  much  expedite  the  cure.  Beside  the  hot  water 
the  following  prescription  will  do  good  service : 

Laudanum         -  -     One  ounce  (or  two). 

Goulard's    extract,  one  ounce,  in   a  quart   of 

water. 
Soft  soap  -  -  -     One  pound. 

The  object  of  this  treatment  both  by  the  fomentations 
and  medicines  is  to  bring  down  the  heat  and  tenderness,  and 
if  possible  limit  the  inflammation,  and  its  injurious  ter- 
minations. 

Anodynes  and  warm  dressing  are  the  best  for  this  pur- 
pose. Some  practitioners  cover  the  parts  with  a  thick 
woolen  cloth,  and  keep  it  continually  saturated  with  both 
remedies. 

In  addition  to  these  a  laxative  diet  of  mashes  and  roots, 
with  an  odd  dose  of  physic,  will  be  very  beneficial. 

Old  sprains  of  long  standing  may  be  treated  with  friction, 
counter  irritation  and  light  work. 

Sprains  have  occurred  in  at  least  a  dozen  parts  of  the 
horse's  body,  but  the   parts  most  subject  to  these  injuries 

are : 

Strain  of  the  flexor  brachii. 
''  "       shoulder  joint. 

"  "       back  tendons. 

*'  "       suspensory  ligament. 


151 
SPRAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOR. 

The  muscle  which  raises  and  advances  the  limb  is  the 
most  common  of  shoulder  lameness.  It  results  in  truck 
horses,  from  unequal  weight  thrown  upon  one  shoulder.  In 
road  horses,  in  trying  to  extricate  the  limb  in  heavy  ground, 
&c.,  and  also  from  short  or  sudden  turns  by  awkward 
drivers. 

Treatment. — In  bad  cases  sling  the  animal :  in  all  cases 
tie  the  animal  up  by  the  head  so  as  to  prevent  the  lying 
down  and  rising  up,  which  first  relaxes  and  then  stretches 
the  injured  parts.  Fold  a  horse-cloth  several  times  round 
the  breast,  secured  there  with  strap  or  girths,  and  pour  hot 
water  continually  on  the  parts,  and  also  apply  the  remedy 
already  mentioned. 

SHOULDER  SLIP. 

The  muscles  investing  the  shoulder  blade  occasionally 
become  strained,  an  accident  quite  common  in  hilly  coun- 
tries, and  also  from  double  ploughing  and  awkward  step- 
ping: and  lastly,  the  same  thing  happens  to  young  carriage 
horses  that  w^ork  too  freely.  The  muscles  usually  affected 
are  the  antea  and  postea  spinati,  teres,  and  subscapularis. 
Tenderness,  slight  swelling  and  lameness  are  perceptible,  and 
after  some  time  there  may  be  atrophy  of  the  muscles. 

The  same  remedies  may  be  used  to  advantage. 


SHOULDER  JOINT  LAMENESS. 

Cause. — The  most  serious  form  of  shoulder  joint  lame- 
ness consists  in  a  softening  of  the  articular  cartilage  of  that 
joint.  In  this  case  there  is  inflammation  of  the  synovial 
membrane,  and  excessive  secretion  of  unhealthy  synovia, 
which  produces  bulging  of  the  capsular  ligament,  which  may 
be  detected  by  pressure. 


152 

Symptoms. — When  this  is  the  character  of  the  lame- 
ness, it  may  be  easily  known  by  the  manner  in  which  the 
animal  progresses.  He  usually  drags  his  toe,  and  throws 
the  leg  outw^ard  at  every  step. 

Treatment. — In  this  instance  is  very  unsatisfactory, 
blisters,  setons  and  firing  have  been  tried  in  hundreds  of 
cases,  without  any  permanent  advantage,  for  the  simple  rea- 
son that  the  cartilage  is  apt  to  be  destroyed,  and  the  under- 
lying bone  ulcerated. 

STRAINING  OF  THE  BACK  TENDONS 

Is  one  of  the  most  common  accidents  affecting  the  horse, 
and  involves  the  perforans  tendon  and  its  check  ligament. 
In  the  large  proportion  of  cases,  the  ligament  is  first  affected 
immediately  above  its  insertion  into  the  tendon. 

Symiptoms. — Pain,  heat  and  lameness  ensue,  and  if  the 
animal  continue  at  work,  other  tendons  and  ligaments  be- 
come involved,  and  permanent  thickening  and  shortening 
of  the  limb  ensue. 

Treatment. — Envelope  the  limb  in  a  piece  of  horse-rug, 
folded  several  times  (or  in  any  other  woolen  bandage  capa- 
ble of  retaining  a  quantity  of  water),  and  saturate  it  every 
hour  with  fresh  supplies  of  hot  water.  Continue  this  until 
all  heat  and  tenderness  are  removed,  and  the  creature  ap- 
pears to  bear  upon  the  limb,  then  substitute  cold  for  hot 
water,  remove  the  bandage,  and  hand-rub  the  parts  several 
times  daily.  In  addition  to  this,  a  laxative  diet — no  oats, 
with  small  doses  of  medicine. 

STRAIN  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENTS. 
Cause. — This  injury  is  mostly  confined  to  fast  horses, 
such  as  trotters,  racers  and  hunters.  This  class  of  animals 
when  put  to  rapid  and  severe  exercise  when  too  young,  may 
suddenly  either  sprain,  rupture  or  tear  the  suspensory  liga- 
ment.    When  this  latter  happens  it  is  called  breaking  down. 


153 

This  is  a  strong  ligamentous  band,  fixed  into  the  back 
part  of  the  knee,  passing  down  behind  the  cannon  bone,  and 
in  front  of  the  tendons,  and  attached  to  the  pasterns  and 
foot  below.  While  the  animal  is  standing  it  supports  the 
fetlock.  While  in  action  it  contributes  to  that  springiness 
of  gait  so  noticeable  in  well-bred  horses. 

Symptoms. — The  lameness  comes  on  gradually,  and  is 
not  so  acute  as  in  the  case  of  sprain  of  the  neighboring  ten- 
dons, but  simple  as  it  may  seem,  unless  promptly  treated,  it 
is  apt  to  leave  the  parts  weak,  and  liable  to  a  second  attack. 
Rupture  or  tearing  of  the  ligaments  occasionally  happens 
while  an  animal  is  leaping,  or  galloping  at  an  inordinate 
rate ;  it  may  either  be  partial  or  complete.  This  accident 
is  commonly  named  "  breaking  down."  When  this  happens 
the  fetlock  comes  nearly  to  the  ground,  its  flexor  tendons 
are  also  much  strained,  which  considerably  augments  such  a 
severe  injury. 

This  accident  generally  occurs  when  an  animal  is  at  full 
speed,  and  is  confined  chiefly  to  one  leg,  and  rarely  happens 
in  both  legs  at  once.  The  horse  stops  instantly,  or  falls  ; 
on  rising,  he  is  seen  to  rest  on  his  fetlocks,  the  toe  turned 
up,  and  the  sole  looking  forward.  It  can  be  easily  under- 
stood that  there  accompanies  this  severe  accident  intense 
pain,  swelling  and  a  high  fever,  the  arteries  pulsate  with 
great  violence,  while  the  creature  is  bathed  is  profuse  per- 
spiration. 

Treatment. — In  the  case  of  a  slight  sprain  of  the  ten- 
dons, as  well  as  the  suspensory  ligament,  the  remedies  are 
very  simple — it  consists  in  rest,  cold  application  continued 
for  several  days — and  when  all  inflammation  has  subsided 
the  application  of  mild  blisters.  Three  months  rest  is  essen- 
tial in  most  cases  to  ensure  a  perfect  cure.  When  the  liga- 
ment and  neighboring  parts  are  torn  it  is  a  most  serious 
business.  In  this  instance  the  creature  must  be  slung. 
The  treatment  as  in  the  former  case  is  much  the  same — 
cold  application,  persistently  followed  for  at  least  ten  days ; 


154 

besides  this,  mashes,  with  an  ounce  or  two  of  saltpetre  in 
the  drink  twice  a  day,  until  the  fever  subsides. 

In  my  own  practice  I  adopt  the  following  method  instead 
of  the  cold  water.  I  substitute  the  following,  after  nicely 
bandaging  the  parts — continuously  keep  it  wetted  with  this 
lotion : 

English  crown  soap      -  -     Two  pounds. 

Laudanum        _  _  -     Four  ounces. 

Goulard's  extract  -  -     Four  ounces 

Put  the  last-mentioned  in  a  gallon  of  water,  then  add  the 
other  ingredients. 

After  several  weeks,  and  when  all  irritation  and  heat  are 
removed,  and  the  animal  can  rest  on  the  limb,  I  release  him 
from  the  slings,  put  on  a  high  heeled  shoe,  blister  the  parts 
mildly,  and  allow  several  months  rest  to  ensure  recovery. 


BROKEN  KNEES. 

Under  this  term  is  included  the  slightest  division  of  the 
skin  as  well  as  the  most  extensive  injury  of  the  joint. 

The  knee  of  the  horse  is  more  liable,  for  many  reasons,  ■ 
to  serious  injury  than  any  other  joint,  but  beside  this,  others 
also  are  injured  occasionally :  the  stifle,  the  hock,  elbow  and 
fetlocks,  but  most  frequently  the  knee.  The  slightest  lesion 
of  this  kind  consists  in  a  mere  superficial  bruise  of  the  scarf 
skin  (or  Epidermis),  while  the  deep-seated  structures  remain 
uninjured.  In  other  instances,  the  true  skin  (or  the  Dermis) 
is  so  much  bruised  that  the  hair  follicles  are  destroyed,  in 
which  case  no  hair  will  grow  on  the  part  so  injured,  but  a 
bald  white  scar  remains  as  a  permanent  blemish. 

Bad  falls  so  severely  lacerate  this  joint  as  to  tear  open  the 
sheath  of  the  large  tendon  that  passes  in  front  of  this  joint, 
or  still  worse,  penetrate  and  expose  the  ligament  of  the  true 
joint  itself. 


155 

Treatment. — When  the  scarf  skin  only  is  bruised,  the 
horse  must  be  kept  at  rest,  the  part  tightly  bound  with  a 
broad  linen  bandage,  which  should  be  kept  constantly  satu- 
rated with  cold  water.  This  simple  treatment  is  the  best, 
and  must  be  continued  until  all  soreness  and  swelling  are 
gone.  When  the  hair  roots  are  uninjured  no  blemish  re- 
mains, and  until  the  hair  grows  the  baldness  may  be  con- 
cealed by  the  use  of  lamp-black  and  oil;  the  rapid  growth 
of  smooth  hair  is  encouraged  by  rubbing  the  part  with  castor 
oil,  and  if  it  should  appear  tardily,  with  an  occasional  dress- 
ing of  diluted  tincture  of  Cantharides.  If,  however,  the  hair 
roots  should  be  destroyed,  a  cicatrix  remains  in  spite  of  all 
the  vaunted  oils  and  other  specifics. 

When  joint  oil  (synovia)  flows  from  the  wound,  it  is  gene- 
rally a  very  serious  injury,  and  at  once  demonstrates  the 
nature  of  the  accident,  this  fluid  may  either  proceed  from  the 
sheath  of  the  large  tendon  or  from  the  true  joint  itself;  in 
any  case  it  is  a  lesion  requiring  the  skill  and  patience  of  the 
best  surgeons. 

The  management  of  open  joints  consists  in  local  and  con- 
stitutional treatment ;  the  first  thing  to  be  done  (when  it  is 
ascertained  that  the  joint  is  exposed)  is,  sling  the  animal  if 
possible,  carefully  remove  with  water  and  a  sponge  all  gravel 
or  dirt  that  may  have  got  into  the  opening,  for  it  is  useless 
to  expect  the  parts  to  heal  until  all  foreign  matter  is  re- 
moved. Avoid  all  probing  of  the  orifice,  for  it  will  only 
irritate  and  endanger  the  limb.  Never  try  to  rudely  plug  up 
the  opening  with  lime,  alum,  flour,  or  any  mechanical  inven- 
tion. 

Removing  weight  and  pressure  from  the  injured  parts  by 
slinging  and  keeping  the  part  in  a  fixed  position  prevents 
the  restless  jerking  of  the  limb,  the  outpouring  of  the  syno- 
via, as  well  as  the  demand  for  more.  After  removing  the 
dirt,  etc.,  a  simple  poultice  of  linseed  meal  may  be  applied 
for  two  or  three  days ;  this  must  be  kept  moistened  with  the 
following : 


156 

Goulard's  extract,         -  -     Two  ounces. 

Laudanum,        _  _  _     Two  ounces. 

Water,  _  _  _     Two  quarts. 

After  carefully  removing  the  poultice,  a  good  linen  band- 
age must  next  be  put  on  ;  this  may  be  moistened  occasionally 
with  the  wash,  and  not  removed  for  two  or  three  days  at  a 
time. 

Poulticing  encourages  the  growth  of  healthy  granulations, 
which  speedily  closes  up  the  wound.  If,  however,  these 
granulations  should  become  exuberant,  or  proud  flesh  ap- 
pear to  pass  out  beyond  the  surface,  a  good  broad  tight 
bandage  will  repress  their  growth  ;  if  not,  touch  them  lightly 
with  some  caustic,  or  with  the  careful  use  of  a  hot  sinooth 
iron. 

In  no  state  of  the  part  is  the  use  of  hot  oils,  ointments,  or 
blistering  justifiable.     So  much  for  the  Local  Treatment. 

Constitutional  Treatment. — Wounds  of  this  kind  are 
always  accompanied  by  traumatic  fever,  which  is  one  of  the 
ill  consequences  to  be  guarded  against.  Horses  die  (in  these 
cases)  not  exactly  from  the  injury  itself,  but  from  the  fever. 
This  is  heightened  by  the  nervous  and  irritable  constitution 
of  horses,  more  than  cattle  or  other  animals.  In  this  condi- 
tion the  fever  increases  thirst,  and  to  relieve  the  fever  two 
ounces  of  saltpetre  may  be  given  in  a  pail  of  water. 


BONE-SPAVIN 

Is  a  bony  enlargement  on  the  antero-internal  part  of  the 
hock,  usually  between  the  shank-bone  and  the  cuneiform 
medium,  and  occasionally  between  the  two  cuneiform  bones. 
Severe  work,  especially  in  young  growing  animals,  with  bad- 
ly-formed upright  hocks,  occasions  inflammation  of  the 
periosteum,  extending  soon  to  the  bone  itself,  and  causing 
the  deposition  of  osseous  matter. 


157 

Treatment. — In  recent  cases,  apply  cold,  as  directed  for 
splint;  but  in  protracted  cases,  when  the  joint  is  extensively 
affected,  hot  fomentations  afford  more  relief,  by  promoting 
exudation.  Where  these  do  not  succeed,  blisters  or  firing, 
or  the  insertion  of  a  seton,  is  advisable.  The  farriers'  oils, 
and  other  remedies  in  vogue  for  this  and  similar  lamenesses, 
act  merely  like  blisters,  and  not,  as  is  popularly  believed,  by 
extracting  the  bony  deposit.  Pain  and  lameness  cease  when 
the  deposit  is  consolidated,  and  the  limb  becomes  tolerably 
serviceable,  although  usually  stiffened  from  the  want  of  free 
movement  between  the  small  bones  of  the  hock. 


SPLINT 

Is  a  bony  enlargement,  technically  called  an  exostosis, 
situated  usually  below  the  knee,  and  between  the  large  and 
small  splint  bones,  generally  on  the  inside  of  the  limb,  and 
most  common  in  horses  employed  at  fast  work,  and  that 
have  been  much  on  the  road  whilst  young.  Occasionally 
they  appear  in  young  growing  horses,  almost  without  being 
observed,  and  seldom  cause  much  lameness  unless  when 
rapidly  deposited.  When  occurring  on  both  sides  of  the 
limb,  and  especially  when  accompanied  by  bony  enlarge- 
ments about  the  pasterns,  they  indicate  weakness,  a  ten- 
dency to  bony  growths,  and  a  consequent  liability  to  lame- 
ness. When  immediately  underneath  the  knee,  the  splint  is 
most  apt  to  interfere  with  the  movements  of  the  joint,  and 
cause  lameness.  In  all  cases  the  evil  commences  in  the 
periosteum — the  tough  vascular  membrane  investing  the 
bone.  Inordinate  exertion,  especially  concussion,  in  badly 
shaped  limbs,  drives  to  it  an  over  supply  of  blood,  the  parts 
become  hot  and  tender,  and  lymph  is  exuded  from  the  in- 
flamed vessels,  and  gradually  converted  into  bone.  The 
animal  indicates  these  changes  by  his  dropping  gait,  espe- 
cially noticeable  at  the  trot,  and  upon  a  hard  road. 


158 

Treatment. — Whilst  heat  and  tenderness  continue,  the 
parts  must  be  kept  constantly  wetted  with  cold  water.  Satu- 
rate a  piece  of  spongiopiline  with  cold  water;  secure  it  on 
the  limb  with  a  light  bandage,  and  squeeze  out  and  freshly 
wet  it  every  hour ;  or,  if  practicable,  let  the  horse  stand  for 
an  hour  several  times  a  day  up  to  the  knees  in  a  pool  or 
stream  of  water.  Allow  perfect  rest  for  ten  days  or  a  fort- 
night. When  by  such  means  the  heat  and  tenderness  are 
removed,  apply  a  cantharidine  blister,  some  of  tlie  ointment 
of  the  biniodide  of  mercury,  or  the  hot  iron.  Such  remedies 
condense  and  harden  the  bony  deposit,  but  do  not,  as  is 
generally  thought,  remove  it.  Perfect  union  shortly  takes 
place  between  the  large  and  small  splint  bones,  the  swelling 
becomes  solid,  the  lameness  disappears,  and  the  splint,  al- 
though still  remaining,  and  strictly  speaking  constituting  un- 
soundness, occasions  in  well  formed  limbs  no  inconvenience. 

RINGBONES 

Consist  in  a  circle  of  bony  matter  laid  down  round  the 
coronet — a  natural  effort  to  strengthen  the  parts,  and  enable 
them  better  to  withstand  too  early  work,  or  too  great  con- 
cussion. They  are  most  common  in  the  fore  limbs  of  draught 
horses,  with  short  upright  pasterns  and  small  feet,  or  in  the 
hind  limbs  of  lighter-bred  horses.  Although  they  do  not 
invariably  cause  lameness,  they  indicate  disease,  are,  more- 
over, apt  to  extend,  and  therefore  constitute  unsoundness. 

THOROUGHPIN    OF    THE    KNEE 

Consists  in  an  enlargement  of  the  synovial  cavity,  through 
which  the  flexor  tendons  pass  towards  their  lower  insertions. 
It  is  most  obvious  on  the  inside  of  the  limb,  immediately 
above  and  behind  the  joint,  but  can  be  readily  pressed  out- 
wards. It  results  from  strain  of  a  small  ligament  which 
attaches  the  tendon  to  the  arm-bone,  and  when  it  first  occurs 
causes  swelling  and  lameness.  The  treatment  consists  in 
rest  and  fomentations,  followed  by  blisters  when  the  heat 
and  tenderness  are  removed. 


159 

SIDE-BONES 

Are  hard  swellings,  situated  immediately  above  the  quarters 
and  heels,  and  resulting  from  the  conversion  into  bone  of 
the  elastic  lateral  cartilages.  They  occur  either  on  one  or 
both  sides,  or  in  one  or  both  limbs,  and  are  most  common 
in  heavy  draught  horses  with  upright  pasterns.  Unless  when 
of  rapid  growth,  they  seldom  cause  lameness. 

Treatment,  —  Ringbones  and  Side-bones  require  the 
same  treatment  as  splints  and  other  bony  enlargement, 
namely,  cold  applications,  kept  up  steadily  until  heat  and 
tenderness  are  removed,  and  succeeded  by  blisters  or  firing. 

WINDGALLS 

Are  soft  puffy  swellings,  varying  from  the  size  of  a  marble  to 
that  of  a  walnut,  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  fetlocks, 
depending  upon  the  accumulation  in  the  tendinous  sheaths 
of  an  undue  amount  of  synovia,  or  joint-oil,  secreted  to 
obviate  the  friction  of  severe  fast  work,  and  most  frequent 
and  serious  in  animals  with  long,  oblique  pasterns.  Although 
at  first  soft,  and  easily  reduced  by  wet  bandages  and  a  few 
days'  rest,  they  by-and-by,  from  the  continued  irritation  and 
friction  of  work,  become  harder,  lymph  is  mixed  with  the 
synovia,  and  several  weeks'  rest,  with  blisters,  biniodide  of 
mercury,  or  mercurial  charges,  are  required  for  their  reduc- 
tion. Indeed,  in  middle-aged  horses,  which  have  been  at 
full  fast  work,  windgalls,  when  once  they  have  appeared,  can 
seldom  be  permanently  removed,  but  are  apt  to  return  when- 
ever the  animal  again  goes  to  fast  work  on  the  road. 

THOROUGHPIN  ' 

Is  distension  (or  windgall)  of  the  bursa  of  the  flexor  pedis 
tendon,  and  is  situated  immediately  above  the  prominence 
of  the  hock,  between  the  bone  and  the  gastrocnemei  tendons. 
It  results  from  severe  fast  work,  especially  in  young  horses. 


i6o 


with  that  faulty  conformation  known  as  sickle-hams ;  is  at 
first  soft,  and  easily  reduced  by  rest  and  cold  applications ; 
but  becomes,  when  of  long  standing,  hard,  owing  to  the 
exudation  of  lymph  on  the  interior  of  the  bursae.  Disten- 
sion of  the  capsular  ligament  of  the  hock-joint,  or  bog- 
spavin,  is  occasionally  mistaken  for  it,  but  is  situated  lower 
down,  and  cannot  so  readily  be  pressed  from  one  side  of  the 
limb  to  the  other.  Bog-spavins  and  thoroughpins,  however, 
often  co-exist,  for  the  irritation  and  pressure  of  serious  bog- 
spavin  are  apt  to  induce  distension  of  the  contiguous  bursse 
of  the  tendons.  Treat  as  for  windgalls,  with  cold  applica- 
tions and  pressure,  followed  up  by  blisters. 

CURB 

Consists  of  strain  of  the  posterior  straight  ligament  of  the 
hock  ;  causes  tenderness  and  swelling  on  the  inner  and  back 
part  of  the  joint ;  occurs,  especially  in  horses,  with  the  os 
calcis  short,  and  inclining  forwards  :  and  requires,  like  other 
strains,  rest,  cold  applications,  friction,  and  after  a  time 
blistering  and  firing. 

CAPPED    HOCKS 

Usually  proceed  from  kicking ;  are  generally  indicative  of 
vice ;  consist  in  infiltration  of  serum  into  the  subcutaneous 
cellular  tissue  about  the  point  of  the  hock ;  lead  to  thicken- 
ing of  the  integuments,  but  seldom  cause  lameness.  Their 
appropriate  remedies  are  pressure,  with  wet  bandages,  blis- 
ters, or  a  little  of  the  ointtnent  of  the  biniodide  of  mercury, 
or,  in  bad  cases,  puncturing. 

BOG-SPAVIN 

Consists  in  distension  of  the  hock-joint,  with  an  excessive 
secretion  of  dark-colored  thickened  synovia,  mixed  with 
lymph.     The    delicate    synovial    fringes  which   secrete   the 


i6i 

joint  oil  become  red  and  vascular,  and  unduly  active,  and' 
the  fluid  thus  poured  into  the  capsular  ligament  of  the  joint 
sometimes  presses  upon  a  vein  (the  saphena  major),  which 
becomes  enlarged,  and  thus  gives  rise  to  the  old  title  of 
Blood-spavin,  still  occasionally  applied  to  the  disease.  It 
occurs  in  weakly,  rapidly  growing  animals,  sometimes  with- 
out any  apparent  cause,  but  more  commonly  in  those  that 
have  been  put  too  early  to  work  beyond  their  strength. 

Treatment. — Suspension  of  work,  gentle  exercise,  ban- 
dages kept  cool  and  wet,  occasional  friction,  with  a  laxative 
diet  and  a  little  nitre,  should  first  be  tried,  and  if  un- 
successful, superseded  by  blisters,  or  in  extreme  cases,  by 
firing.  In  old  hard-worked  animals,  especially  cart  horses 
and  hunters,  bog  spavin  is  more  intractable,  the  supply  of 
synovia  is  insufficient,  and,  from  want  of  the  natural  lubri- 
cant, the  fringes  become  irritated  and  inflamed.  Similar 
treatment  must  be  pursued,  but  firing  and  several  months' 
rest  are  most  serviceable. 


GLOSSARY. 


Abnormal.     Unnatural,  irregular,  unhealthy. 

Abrasion.     Removal  of  a  portion  of  skin,  by  violence  or 
ulceration. 

Acclimatize.     To  inure  to  a  new  climate. 

AciNESiA.     Loss  of  muscular  power. 

Acne.     A  pustular  disease  of  the  skin,  involving  the  sebace- 
ous follicles. 

Acute     Active,  recent,  of  brief  duration. 

Adenoid.     Glandular,  or  gland-like. 

Adipose.     Fatty. 

Adynamic.     Prostrate  ;  without  power. 

Afflux.     Flow  toward  a  part. 

Albuminuria.     The  presence  of  albumen  in  the  urine. 

Algid.     Cold. 

Amaurosis.     Partial  or  total  blindness  from  an  affection  of 
the  retina,  optic  nerve,  or  brain ;  i.e  nervous  blindness. 

Amblyopia.     Dim,  or  obscure  vision. 

Amenorrhcea.     Absence  or  arrest  of  menstruation. 

Amorphous.     Shapeless;  without  definite  form. 

Amphoric.      Pitcher-like,    or    decanter-like.      Applied    to 
sounds  heard  by  auscultation  or  on  percussion. 

Amyloid.     Resembling  starch. 

Ane^mia.     Deficiency  of  red  blood. 

An^eesthesi  A.     Absence  or  loss  of  sensation  and  perception, 

Analeptic.     Invigorating,  restorative. 


164 

Anasarca.     General  dropsy  of  the  areolar  tissue. 

Aneurism.     Morbid  dilatation  of  an  artery,  with  or  with- 
out rupture  of  its  coats. 

Anfractuous.     Having  an    irregular,    grooved,  or  broken 
surface ;  applied  to  a  cavity  in  the  lung. 

Angina.     A  choking  or  suffocating  disease. 

Anodyne.     Tending  to  relieve  pain. 

Anorexia.     Loss  of  appetite. 

Anthelmintic.     Destructive    of,  or   tending  to  cause    the 
removal  of,  worms. 

Anti-arthritic.     Curative  of  gout. 

Anti-lithic.     Solvent  of  stone  or  gravel. 

Anti-phlogistic     Tending    to  arrest    or  mitigate    inflam 
mation. 

Anti-psoric.     Curative  of  itch. 

Anti-toxic.     Antidotal  to  poison. 

Apex.     The  uppermost  point. 

Aphonia.     Loss  of  vioce. 

Aphthae.     Small    whitish    ulcers,    originating    in    vesicles ; 
frequently  found  in  the  mouth. 

Aplastic.     Inorganizable. 

Apncea.     Arrest  of  respiration. 

Applicata.     Things  applied   to,  or  brought  into  contract 
with,  the  exterior  of  the  body. 

Apyrexia.     Intermission. 

Arachnitis.     Inflammation  of  the  arachnoid  membrane. 

Arthritis.     Gout. 

AscARiDES.     Rounds  worms. 

Ascites.     Peritoneal  dropsy. 

Asphyxia.     Suspension    of  breathing,  or   of   the    aeration 
or  circulation  of  the  blood. 

Asthenia.     Debility. 

Asthenic.     Without  strength;  feeble;  attended  by  prostra- 
tion. 

Ataxic.     Irregular;  out  of  order. 

Atelectasis  Pulmonum.     Imperfect  expansion  of  the  lungs. 


i65 

Atheroma.      A    pulp-like    or    pap-like    formation    or    de- 
generation. 
Atony.     Loss  of  tone. 
Atrophy.     Absence  or  defect  of  nutrition. 

B 

Balancive.     Promotive  or  restorative  of  balance,  propor- 
tion, harmony. 
Biology.     The  science  of  life,  and  of  the  functions  of  living 

beings. 
Blastema.     Material    out    of   which    tissue    is    or  may  be 

organized. 
Bleb.     See  Bulla, 

Borborygmus.     Intestinal  gurgling. 
Bright's    Disease.     Fatty   or    other    degeneration    of   the 

kidney. 
Bronchophony.     Resonance  of  the  voice,  in  the  lung,  like 

that  normally  heard  in  the  bronchial  region. 
Bronchorrhea.     Excessive  discharge  of  mucus  from  the 

bronchial  tubes. 
Bulimia,  Boulimia.     Excessive  appetite. 
Bulla.     A  blister;  i.e.  an  elevation  of  the  cuticle,  containing 

serum. 

C 

Cachexia.     A  depraved  or  diseased  habit  of  system. 

Cadaveric.     Belonging  to  the  dead  body. 

Calcareous.     Containing  or  resembling  chalk  or  lime. 

Calculus.     Stone. 

Calvaria.     The  cranium. 

Carcinoma.     Cancer. 

Cardialgia.     Heart-burn. 

Catalepsy.  A  nervous  affection,  characterized  by  parox- 
ysmal rigidity  of  the  muscles. 

Catarrh.  An  affection  of  a  mucous  membrane,  character- 
ized by  increased  secretion. 


66 


Cavernous.     Connected  with  or  indicative  of  a  cavity. 

Cerebritis.     Inflammation  of  the  brain. 

Chalybeate.     Containing  iron. 

Chloasma.     Liver-spot;  a  yellow  discoloration  of  the  skin. 

Cholagogue.     Tending  to  increase  the  flow  of  bile. 

Chondroma.     A  cartilaginous  tumor. 

Chorea.  St.  Vitus'  dance. 

Chronic.     Protracted;  continuing,  without  much    change, 

for  a  considerable  period. 
CiNCHONiSM.     The  production  of   characteristic  effects    of 

Peruvian  bark,  or  of  its  alkaloids,  upon  the  system. 
CiRCUMFUSA.     Things  surrounding  the  body :  e.g.  air,  light. 

moisture,  etc. 
Cirrhosis.     Waxy  degeneration  of  the  liver. 
Clavus.     a  corn. 

Clonic.     Successive,  interrupted,  alternating. 
CoLiCA  PiCTONUM.     Lead  colic. 
Colliquative.     Copious,  exhaustive. 
Colloid.     Jelly-like. 
Coma.     Completely  unconscious  stupor. 
Congenital.     Existing  at  the  time  of  birth. 
Congestion.     Accumulation  of  blood. 
Consonance.     Repetition  or  reduplication  of  sound,  by  the 

sonorous  vibration  of  a  body  upon  which  it  impringes. 
CoNTACTivE.     Contagious. 

Contagious.     Conveyed  by  touch  or  actual  contact. 
CoNTRA-iNDiCATE.     To  prohibit. 
Contro-stimulant.     Sedative. 
CoRNEiTis.     Inflamation  of  the  cornea. 
CoRYZA.     A  cold  in  the  head. 
Cosmic.     Belonging  to    the   universal   system   or   order   of 

nature. 
Coup  de  soleil.     Sun-stroke. 
CoxALGiA.     Disease  of  the  hip-joint. 
Crepitant.     Crackling;    applied    technically    to    the  ^ne 

crackling;  heard  on  auscultation  in  pneumonia. 


i67 

Cretify.     To  convert  into  a  chalky  substance. 

Cutaneous.     Pertaining  to  the  skin. 

Cyanosis.  Blueness,  from  imperfect  circulation  of  aeration 
of  the  blood. 

Cynanche.     Angina. 

Cyst.  A  sac,  cell,  or  bag,  formed  of  membrane,  and  con- 
taining more  or  less  fluid. 

Cystitis.     Inflammation  of  the  urinary  bladder. 

D 

Decubitus.     The  manner  of  lying  down. 

Decussation.     Crossing  X-like  from  side  to  side. 

Depletion.  Abstraction  of  blood  or  other  material,  from 
the  system. 

Dermatophyte.     A  vegetation  upon  the  skin. 

Desideratum.  Something  desired  or  required  ;  an  import- 
ant object. 

Desquamate.     To  scale  or  peel  off. 

Detritus.    Refuse  ;  the  result  of  wearing  or  breaking  down. 

Diabetes.     Excessive  urination. 

Diabetes  mellitus.  Excessive  discharge  of  urine  con- 
taining sugar. 

Diagnosis.  The  discrimination  of  diseases ;  the  determin- 
ation of  the  nature  of  an  attack,  or  of  the  condition  of 
the  organs  in  a  given  case. 

Diaphoretic.     Productive  of  perspiration. 

Diastole.     Dilatation. 

Diathesis.    A  constitutional  tendency,  peculiarity  or  habit. 

Dicrotous.     Double-beating. 

DiPTHERiA.     Membranous  sore  throat. 

Diphtheritic.     Pseudo-membranous. 

Diuretic.     Productive  of  increased  flow  of  urine. 

Drastic.     Active,  powerful. 

Dynamic.     Relating  to  power  or  force. 

Dynamize.     To  imbue  with  force  or  power. 

Dyscrasia,     a  morbid  state  of  the  blood  or  of  nutrition. 


Dysmenorrhcea.     Difficult  or  painful  menstruation. 
Dysphagia.     Difficulty  of  swallowing. 
Dyspncea.     Difficult  respiration. 
Dysuria.     Difficult  urination. 

E 

EccHYMOSis.     Effiision  of  blood  under  the  skin. 

Eclampsia.     Convulsion. 

Ecthyma.     A  disease  of  the  skin,  characterized  by  large 

pustules. 
EcTROTic.     Abortive;  productive  of  abortion. 
Eczema.     A  vesicular  eruptive  disease. 
Effete.     Worn  out ;  dead. 
Elephantiasis    Arabum.      An  enlargement  of  the  limbs, 

scrotum,  neck,  etc. 
Elephantiasis  Grcecorum.     A  severe  cutaneous  affection, 

with  purple  tumors,  etc. 
Eliminate.     To  remove  or  drive  out  from  the  system. 
Embolic.     Obstructive  ;  applied  to  a  clot  thrown  as  a  plug 

into  an  arterial  trunk. 
Emphysema.     Distention  of  a  cellular  tissue  with  air. 
Empirical.     The  result  oi  observation  only;  as  contrasted 

with  rational  or  deductive. 
Emprosthotonos.     Arching  of  the  body  forward. 
Empyema.     A  collection  of  pus  in  the  pleural  cavity. 
Emulsify.     To  suspend  or  diffiise  an  insoluble  substance  in 

w^ater  by  means  of  mucilage. 
Encephaloid.     Brain-like. 
Encephalon.      The  brain  ;  /.  e.  the  whole  contents  of  the 

cranium. 
Endemic.     Local  ;  confined  to  certain  localities. 
Endermic.     Within  or  under  the  skin. 
Endocarditis.      Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of 

the  heart. 
Endosmose.     The  spontaneous  interchange  of  fluids  through 

organic  membrane. 


169 

Enteritis.     Inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

Entozoon.      a  worm,  or  other  parasite,  within  an  animal 
body. 

Enuresis.     Incontinence  of  urine. 

Ephelis,  Ephelides.     Sun-burn. 

Ephemeral.     Continuing  for  a  day. 

Epigastric.     Over  the  stomach. 

Epilepsy.      A  disease  characterized  by  recurring   convul- 
sions, during  which  the  patient  is  unconscious. 

Epiphyte.     A  vegetable  parasite. 

Epistaxis.     Bleeding  from  the  nose. 

Epithelioma.     An  epithelial  tumor. 

Epithelium.     A  thin,  superficial  layer  of  cells  upon  a  base- 
ment membrane. 

Epizootic.      Affecting  animals  over  an   unlimited   region. 
Not  limited  to  any  locality. 

Epizoon.     a  parasitic  animal  or  animalcule. 

Equinia.     Glanders ;    a    malignant    disease  of   the    horse, 
sometimes  conveyed  to  men. 

Eremacausis.     Decay,  or  slow  combustion. 

Erosion.     Corrosion ;    destruction    of   tissue  by    chemical 
agency. 

Eructation.     Belching  of  wind. 

Erythema.  A  florid  inflammation  of  the  skin  ;  classed  with 
the  exanthemata. 

Etiology.     The  study  of  the  causation  of  disease. 

Exacerbation.  An  increase  of  the  symptoms;  e.g.  of 
fever;  a  ferbrile  paroxysm. 

Exanthem.     a  rash,  or  florid  eruption. 

Exanthemata  A  class  of  diseases  in  which,  with  fever 
there  is  an  eruption  characteristic  of  each. 

ExciTO-MOTOR.  Reflex  ;  relating  to  the  production  of 
movement  in  muscles  by  impressions  transmitted  through 
nerves  and  nerve-centres. 

Excito-secretory.  Reflex  excitement  of  secretory  organs 
by  distant  impressions,  transmitted  through  the  nerves. 

Excreta.     Matters  thrown  out  as  waste  from  the  body. 

Exfoliate.     To  fall  or  throw  off,  like  leaves  from  a  tree. 

ExosMOSis.     See  Endosmosis. 


ExTRAVASATE.      To    tlirow    blood   out   from    the   vessels. 
Exudation.     The  throwing  out  of  lymph  from  the  vessels 

during  a  morbid  process.     Also,  the  lymph  itself  which 

is  thrown  out. 

F 

Flocculent.     Resembling  locks  of  wool. 

FoMiTEs.     Things  supposed  to  retain  and  convey  contagion 

or  infection;  as  clothing,  merchandise,  etc. 
FuscEDo.     Yellow  staining  of  the  skin  in  patches  or  blotches. 

G 

Gangrene.     Mortification. 

Gastralgia.     Pain  in  the  stomach. 

Gastritis.     Inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

Gastrodynia.     Stomach-ache. 

Gastro-hepatic.     Affecting  both  the  stomach  and  the  liver. 

Gesta.     Things  done;  actions;  labors. 

Glossitis.     Inflammation  of  the  tongue. 

GLUcoH^MiA,Glycohaemia.     Excess  of  sugar  in  the  blood, 

Glucosuria,  Glycosuria.     The  presence  of  sugar  in  the  urine. 

Goitre.     Bronchocele ;  enlargement  of  the  thyroid  gland. 

H 

Habitat.     The  locality  in  which  a  plant  or  other    living 

thing  grows  or  abounds. 
HiEMATEMEsis.     Vomiting  of  blood. 
H^matosis.     Blood  formation  ;  blood  development. 
HEMATURIA.     Voiding  of  bloody  urine. 
Hemicrania.     Pain  in  one  half  of  the  head. 
Hemiplegia.     Paralysis  of  the  arm  and  leg,  etc.,  of  ^;/^  side. 
Hemorrhoids.     Piles. 
Hepatitis.     Inflammation  of  the  liver. 
Hepatization.     Conversion  into  a  liver-like  structure. 
Herpes.     Tetter;  a  vesicular  eruption. 
Heterologous.     Different    from  anything    natural  to    the 

body. 
Homologous.     Parallel  to  or  resembling  things  natural  to 

the  body.     \w  physiology^  this  word  has  a  more  extended 

meaning 


171 

Hydatid.  A  vesicular  formation,  generally  considered  to 
be  an  animal  parasite^  found  in  various  organs,  causing 
their  distention  into  cysts  or  tumors. 

Hydremia.     A  watery  condition  of  the  blood. 

Hydragogue.     Causing  watery  discharges. 

Hydraulics.  The  mechanics  of  liquids ;  investigating 
especially  the  force  and  phenomena  of  liquid  pressure 
and  movement. 

Hydrocephalus.     Dropsy  of  the  head. 

Hydro-pneumothorax.  The  presence  of  water  and  air 
together,  in  the  cavity  of  the  pleura. 

Hydrothorax.     Water  in  the  chest :  thoracic  dropsy. 

Hygiene.     The  science  of  health. 

Hygrometry.  The  measurement  of  the  amount  of  moist- 
ure in  the  air. 

Hyper^m^sthesia.  Excess  of  blood  in  a  part,  with  irrita- 
bility ;  commonly  called  chronic  inflammation. 

Hyperemia.     Excess  of  blood  in  a  part. 

HvpERiESTHESiA.     Over-sensitiveiiess. 

Hyperinosis.     Excess  of  fibrin. 

Hypertrophy.     Over-growth. 

Hypnotic.     Promotive  of  sleep. 

Hypochondriac.  In  aiiatomy,  the  region  over  the  liver,  and 
the  corresponding  region  on  the  left  side.  In  medicine^ 
a  person  affected  with  depression  of  spirits  from  dys- 
peptic disease. 

Hypochondriasis.  Dyspepsia  with  lowness  of  spirits  and 
imaginary  complaints. 

Hypogastric.     Below  the  stomach. 

Hypostatic.  The  result  of  settling  or  gravitative  deposi- 
tion. 

I 

ICHORiEMiA.     Contamination  of  the  blood  ;  pyaemia. 

Icterus.     Jaundice. 

IcTHYOSis.     Fish-skin  disease. 

Idiopathic.     Primary ;  independent. 

Idiosyncrasy.     Individual  peculiarity  of  system. 

Ileus.     Iliac  passion.     The  most  violent  form  of  colic. 

Impetigo.     A  pustular  eruption. 


172 

Incubation.  Development ;  maturation ;  the  period  be- 
tween the  introduction  of  a  morbid  cause  and  the 
appearance  of  the  resulting  disease. 

Indication.  The  pointing  of  the  signs  of  disease  to  the 
proper  mode  of  treatment. 

Induration.     Hardening. 

Infection.  As  frequently  used,  synonymous  with  conta- 
gion. 

Ingestive.  That  which  is  introduced  into  the  body  by  the 
alimentary  canal. 

Innervation.     Supply  of  nervous  influence. 

Insomnia.     Sleeplessness. 

Internuncial.  Communicating ;  transferring  mutual  im- 
pressions or  excitations. 

Interscapular.     Between  the  scapulae. 

Intussusceptio.  Convolvulus  ;  the  reception  of  one  por- 
tion of  intestine  into  another. 

Iritis.     Inflammation  of  the  iris. 

Ischuria.     Difflcult  urination. 

K 

Kakotrophy.     Perverted  nutrition.' 


Lancinating.     Lancing,  piercing,  darting. 

Laryngitis.     Inflammation  of  the  larynx. 

Latent.     Concealed. 

Lepra.     A  scaly  cutaneous  disease. 

Lesion.     Injury;  essential  change. 

Leucocyth/emia.     Excess  of  colorless  or  white  corpuscles 

in  the  blood. 
Lichen.     A  papular  disease  of  the  skin. 
Lientery.     Passage  of  undigested  food  through  the  bowels. 
Lipoma.     A  fatty  tumor. 

Lithiasis.     The  formation  of  stone  or  gravel. 
Lochia.     The  sero-sanguineous  discharge  following  delivery. 
Lumbago.     Rheumatism  of  the  lumbar  region. 
LuMBRicus.     A  long  round  worm. 


173 

Lupus  A  malignant  affection  of  the  skin,  either  tuber- 
culous or  ulcerative. 

Lymph.  The  fluid  portion  of  the  blood,  without  the  cor- 
puscles ;  the  fluid  of  the  lymphatic  vessels  ;  also,  the 
fluid  exuded  during  inflammation, 

M 
Macula.     A  spot  or  stain. 
Malaria.     Bad  or  poisonous  air. 
Mania.     Derangement,  either  intellectual  or  emotional,  or 

both. 
Marasmus.     Wasting  away. 

Matrix.     A  formative  or  receptive  structure  or  cavity. 
Melanosis.    Morbid  deposit  of,  or  conversion  of  tissue  into, 

black  pigment. 
Meningitis.     Inflammation  of  the  membranes  of  the  brain. 
Menorrhagia.     Excessive  flow  of  the  menses. 
Metamorphosis.     Transformation. 
Metastasis.     The  transfer  of  a  disease  or  symptom  from 

one  part  to  another. 
Meteorism.     Distention  of  the  alimentary  canal  with  gas. 
Miasm.     Marsh  poison;  the  local  cause  of  endemic  country 

fevers. 
Microphyte.     A  microscopic  vegetation. 
Microzoon.     a  microscopic  animalculae. 
Miliary.     Resembling  millet  seed. 
Modus  operandi.     The  manner  of  action  or  operation. 
Molecule.     The  minutest  particle  into  which  matter  can 

be  divided. 
Molluscum.     An  uncommon  tubercular  disease  of  the  skin. 
Multiform.     Having  many  shapes. 
Myalgia.     Pain  (or  soreness,  tenderness)  in  one  or  more 

muscles. 
Myelitis.     Inflammation  of  the  spinal  cord. 
Myeloid.     Resembling  the  spinal  marrow. 
Myocarditis.     Inflammation  of  the  muscular  tissue  of  the 

heart. 
Myopia.     Near-sightedness. 


174 

N 
Nebulous.     Cloudy. 
Nephralgia.     Pain  in  the  kidney. 
Nephritis.     Inflammation  of  the  kidney. 
Nervine      Affecting  the  nervous  system. 
Neuralgia.     Pain,  the  seat  of  which  is  principally  in  the 

nerves. 
Neuroma.     A  morbid  enlargement  of  a  nerve. 
Neurosis.     A  nervous  affection. 
Nisus.     Effort ;  attempt ;  active  process. 
Normal.     Natural ;  regular  :  healthy. 
NosoGRAPHY.     The  description  of  diseases. 
Nosology.     The  classification  of  diseases. 
NosoPHYTE.     A  vegetation  connected  with,  or  causative  of 

disease. 
Nucleolus.     A  central  granule  or  spot  within  a  nucleus. 
Nucleus.     The  central    body  within  a  cell ;   being   itself, 

frequently,  hollow. 

O 
Ochlesis.     Crowd  poison. 
OcTOHEDRAL.     Eight-sidcd. 
Odontalgia.     Toothache. 
CEdema.»      Swelling,  from  watery   effusion   in    the    cellular 

tissue. 
Ophthalmia.     Inflammation  of  the  eye. 
Opisthotonos.     Arching  of  the  body  backwards. 
OptimiSxM.     Tendency  to  the  best  possible  result. 
Organography.     Delineation  of  the  organs  in  their  posi- 
tion. 
Osteosarcoma.     Cancerous  tumor  of  bone. 
Otalgia.      Earache. 
Otitis.     Inflammation  of  the  ear. 
Otorrhcea.     Discharge  from  the  ear. 
OxALURiA.     Presence  of  oxalic    acid  (as  oxalate  of  lime) 

in  the  urine. 
Ozone.     Oxygen  in  the  nascent  state,  or  with  its  chemical 

activity  otherwise  intensified  (dynamized). 

P 
Palpation.     Examination  (of  the  chest,  etc.)  by  the  touch. 
Papula.     A  pimple. 


175 

Paracentesis.     Tapping. 

Paralysis.     Loss  of  power  or  of  sensibility  ;  palsy. 
Paraplegia.     Paralysis  of  the  lower  half  of  the  body. 
Parenchyma.      A    glandular   or   other    organic    structure, 

formed  chiefly  of  aggregated  cells. 
Parotitis.     Inflammation  of  the  parotid  gland. 
Pathognomonic.       Positively  distinctive   or  characteristic 

of  a  certain  disease. 
Pathology.      The  study  of  the  seat,  nature,  and  essential 

characters  and  laws  of  disease. 
Pellicular.     Membranous. 
Pemphigus.     A  buUar  eruption  upon  the  skin. 
Percept  A.     Things  perceived;  impressions  upon  the  senses 

and  brain. 
Pericarditis.      Inflammation  of  the  pericardium. 
Peripheral.     Connected  with  the  surface  or  exterior. 
Peritonitis.     Inflammation  of  the  peritoneum. 
Perturbation.      Disturbance  by  an  exterior  or  extrinsic 

cause. 
Petechite.     Small  purple  spots  in  or  under  the  skin. 

Phlebitis,     Inflammation  of  a  vein. 
Phlegmasia.     An  inflammatory  disease. 
Phlogosis.     Inflammation. 
Photophobia.     Dread  of  light. 
Photopsia.     Flashing  of  light  before  the  eyes. 
Phrenitis.     Inflammation  of  the  brain. 
Phthisis.     Wasting.     Phthisis  pulmonalis,  pulmonary  con- 
sumption. 
Pica.     Depraved  appetite. 
Pityriasis.       A  disease  of  the  skin,  accompanied  by  the 

exfoliation  of  minute  scales. 
Plasma.     Organizable  fluid  :  liquor  sanguinis. 
Plethora.     Redundance  of  red  blood. 
Pleuritis.     Pleurisy  ;  inflammation  of  the  pleura. 
Pleurodynia.     Neuralgic  pain  in  the  region  of  the  pleura. 
Pleuro-pnuemonia.     Inflammation  involving  both  the  lung 

and  pleura. 
Pleximeter.      An    instrument    for    mediate   percussion  ;    a 
stroke-measurer. 


176 

Pneumonia.     Inflammation  of  the  lung. 

Pneumothorax.  Accumulation  of  air  in  the  cavity  of  the 
pleura. 

Polydipsia.     Excessive  thirst. 

PoLYSARCiA.     Obesity. 

PoMPHOLYX.     A  variety  of  pemphigus. 

PoRRiGo.     A  parasitic  disease  of  the  skin. 

Post-organic.  Following  organization  ;  effete  ;  having 
been  organized,  but  no  longer  capable  of  vitalization. 

Precordial.     Over  or  surrounding  the  heart. 

Premonitory.     Warning ;  threatening. 

Prodromata.     Forerunning  signs  or  symptoms. 

Prognosis.     Foreknowledge. 

Prophylactic.     Preventive. 

Prurigo.  An  affection  of  the  skin,  characterized  by  great 
itching,  with  little  or  no  rash. 

Pruritus.     Itching. 

Pseudo-membrane.  False  membrane ;  i.e.  morbid  or  mis- 
placed coagulation  or  organization  of  lymph. 

Psora.     Itch. 

Psoriasis.     A  scaly  disease  of  the  skin. 

Ptyalism.     Salivation. 

Purpura.     A  hemorrhagic  affection  of  the  skin. 

Pyemia.     The  presence  or  formation  of  pus  in  the  blood. 

Pyelitis.     Inflammation  of  the  pelvis  of  the  kidney 

Pyrexia.      Fever. 

Q 

Quininize.     To  place  under  the  influence  of  quinine. 

R 
Rabies  canina.     Hydrophobia. 
Rale.     A  rattling  sound. 
Ramule.     a  small  branch. 

Rationale.     Explanation  of  a  process  or  occurrence. 
Recuperative.     Restorative  ;  invigorating. 
Reflex.    Reflected ;  occurring  under  the  influence  of  a  trans- 

initted  excitation,  as  contrasted  with  a  direct  stimulus. 
Regurgitant.     Flowing  or  escaping  backward. 


177 

Renal.     Belonging  to  or  affecting  the  kidney. 
Remittent.     Having  remissions  ;  i.e.^  periods  of  dwiimitioii 

of   the    symptoms    {e.g.^   of  fever)   without    their   total 

subside7ice. 
Resorption.     Reabsorption. 
Resume.     Summary ;  recapitulation. 
Retinitis.     Inflammation  of  the  retina. 
Revulsion.     Derivation. 
Rhonchus.     a  rattling  or  roaring,  or  other  abnormal  sound, 

connected  with  respiration. 
Rubeola.     Morbilli;  measles. 
RupiA.     A  bullar  and  scabbing  disease  of  the  skin. 

S 

Saccharine.     Of  the  nature  of  sugar. 

Salivation.  Excessive  flow  of  saliva;  usually  with  sore- 
ness of  the  gums,  coppery  taste,  &c. 

Sanitary.     Pertaining  to  the  preservation  of  health. 

Sarcina.  a  microscopic  vegetation,  growing  in  square  or 
woolsack-like  forms. 

Sarcoma.     A  fleshy  tumor. 

Scabies.     Itch. 

ScHiRRUS.     Hard  cancer. 

Sciatica.     Neuralgia  of  the  sciatic  nerve. 

Sclerotitis.     Inflammation  of  the  sclerotic  coat  of  the  eye. 

Scorbutus.     Scurvy. 

Semeiology.  The  study  of  the  signs  and  symptoms  of 
disease. 

Sensori-motor.  Relating  to  movements  which  are  con- 
nected with  sensations. 

Sensorium.  An  aggregate  term,  including  those  portions 
of  the  brain  which  are  the  centres  of  sensation  and 
perception. 

Sentient.     Endowed  with  sensation. 

Septic.     Putrefactive  or  decaying. 

Serum.  The  fluid  portion  of  blood  after  coagulation,  or 
after  the  removal  of  its  fibrin ;  also,  the  liquid  transuding 
upon  serous  membranes;  the  liquid  of  certain  dropsical 
effusions,  &c. 


178 

Sibilant.     Hissing. 
Soporific.     Promotive  of  sleep. 
Span^mia.     Hydrceniia;  poverty  of  blood. 
Spermatozoa.     Microscopic  bodies  found  in  the  generative 

fluid  of  the  male. 
Sphacelus.     Sloughing. 
SpirometrYc     The  measurement  of  breathing  power  by  the 

quantity  of  air  exhaled  after  a  forced  inspiration. 
Sporadic.     Separate,  independent,  occasional ;  not  endemic 

or  epidemic  or  contagious. 
Squama.     A  scale. 

Stasis.     Stagnation  ;  arrest  of  movement. 
Steatomatous.     Fatty;  consisting  principally  of  fat. 
Stercoraceous.     Faecal. 
Stertorous.     Loud  and  snoring. 
Stethometer.     a  chest  measurer. 
Stethoscope.     A  tube  used  for  mediate  auscultation. 
Sthenic.     Possessed  of  or  attended  by  vigor  and  activity. 
Stomatitis.     Inflammation  of  the  mouth. 
Strangury.     Dysuria,  ischuria. 
SuBCREPiTANT.     CrackHug,  but  not  typically  identical  with 

the  crepitant  rale ;  being  a  coarser  sound. 
Subjective.     Originating  in  the  mind,  brain,  or  other  part 

of  the   individual;    as   contrasted  with  objective^  i.e.  of 

external  origin. 
SuBSULTUS  Tendinum.     Jerking  of  the  tendons;  e.g.  of  the 

wrist  in  low  fever. 
Succussion.     Sudden  shaking. 
SuDAMiNA,     Minute  transparent  vesicles,   often    seen  over 

the  breast  or  abdomen  in  low  fevers. 
Sudorific.     Promotive  of  perspiration. 
SuGGiLLATiON.     Collection  of  blood  in  spots  under  the  skin 

of  the  dead  body. 
Suppuration.     The  formation  of  pus. 

Sycosis.     Mentagra. 

Syncope.     Fainting;  suspended  animation. 
Synovia.     The  lubricating  fluid  of  the  joints. 
Synurgic.     Co-operative  :  working  together. 
Systole.     The  act  of  contraction  of  the  heart  and  arteries ; 
usually  applied  to  the  contraction  of  the  ventricles. 


179 


Tabes.     Wasting;  atrophy. 
T^NiA.     Tape-worm. 
Tegument.     Covering ;  skin. 
Tenesmus.     Straining;  bearing  down. 
Tentative.     Experimental. 

Tetanus.     A  disease  characterized  by  muscular  rigidity. 
Therapeutic.     Sanative;  medicinal;    restorative;    promo- 
tive of  the  cure  of  disease. 
Tinea.     Porrigo  ;  a  disease  of  the  skin.      Tinea  capitis^  con- 
tagious ring-worm. 
Tonic.     In    physiology   and    pathology,   as  applied   to  the 
muscles,   tonic    contraction    means  fixed    rigidity.     In 
77iateria  medica  and  therapeutics,  a  tonic  is  a  strengthen- 
ing medicine  or  agency. 
Tormina.     Griping  pains. 
ToRULA.     A  minute  vegetation,  found  (Torula  cerevisiae)  in 

fermenting  liquids. 
Toxemia.     Blood-poisoning. 

Toxic.     Poisonous 

Tracheitis.     Inflammation  of  the  trachea. 

Transudation.     Passage  of  fluid  through  the  walls  of  vessels. 

Traumatic.     Resulting  from  a  wound  or  injury. 

Trichoma.     Plica  polonica. 

Trismus.     Lock-jaw. 

Tuberculization.     The  deposition  of  tubercle. 

Tuberculosis.    The  development  of  the  tubercular  diathesis. 

Tumefaction.     Swelling. 

Turgescence,     Distension  with  fluid,  usually  with  blood. 

Tussive.     Connected  with  cough. 

Tympanites.     Distention  of  the  abdomen  with  air. 

Typical.     Representative ;  characteristic. 

Typhoid.     Resembling,  and  yet  not  identical  with,  typhus. 

Typhus.     A  form  of  low  continued  fever. 


i8o 


U 


XjRiEMiA.     The  presence  in  the  blood  of  the  constituents  of 

urine  from  inaction  of  the  kidneys. 
Urina  cibi  vel  Chyli.     Urine  of  food  or  chyle ;    i.e.,  that 

passed  after  a  full  meal. 
Urina  Sanguinis.     Urine  of  the  blood;  i.e.  that  passed  in 

the  morning  after  sleep. 
Urinometer      An  instrument  used  to  estimate  the  specific 

gravity  of  urine  ;  by  the  distance  to  which  it  smks  m 

the  latter,  as  compared  with  that  to  which  it  will  smk 

in  water. 


Vaccinia.     Cow-pox;  vaccination. 

Varicose.     Dilated;  enlarged. 

Variola.     Small-pox. 

Varioloid.     Mild  or  modified  small-pox. 

Vascular.     Well  supplied  with  blood-vessels. 

Venesection.     Blood-letting  from  a  vein. 

Verruca.     A  wart. 

Vesical.     Pertaining  to  the  bladder. 

Vesication.     The  production  of  a  blister. 

Vesicle.     A  small  blister. 

Vesicular.     Composed  of,  or  resembling,  vesicles  or  small 

cells. 
Vibices      Large  spots  of  effused  blood  under  the  skm. 
Vibrio.     A  minute  animalcule,  rarely  found  in  animal  tissues 

or  cavities. 
Vicarious.     Substitutive. 
Vitiligo.     Partial  discoloration  of  the  skin. 
Volvulus.     Intussusception. 


L. 


.1 


